Katie Taylor is Certain That ‘Nothing Will Faze’ Mike Tyson

“I do definitely have those same concerns. But he did look very good against Roy Jones [in a drawn eight-round exhibition in November 2020]. He definitely hasn’t lived the cleanest life since then, but I think over the last few years, he’s cleaned himself up,” she said in an interview with the Guardian. “We’re hoping that shows through on the night, but he obviously has amazing experience, and nothing is going to faze Mike Tyson.”

Taylor further mentioned that she is rather confident that Tyson will emerge victorious against the far younger Paul. She pointed out that Tyson’s performance during training sessions is a testament to the fact that he is still one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing. Taylor also said that, while Paul has proven himself as an able fighter in the recent years, she still has a “soft spot” for Tyson.

“I think if you’re a boxing person, it really matters that he does well and hopefully wins because Mike Tyson is an absolute legend in sport. He was once known as the baddest man on the planet. He’s super exciting to watch, a real iconic boxer. I have so much respect for him for what he did in the sport, and I’d hate for a legend like him to lose a matchup like this. He’s a hero to many of us fighters,” she added.

“That’s What Legacy Is All About”

Taylor had previously defended her lightweight titles against Serrano in 2022, winning via decision. As she gears up for their rematch, Taylor hopes their fight will inspire future female boxers.

“The greatest part about this journey is just being able to inspire and impact the next generation of female fighters. When I started boxing at nine or ten years old, there were no female fighters at all in the boxing gyms in Ireland,” she said at their final pre-fight press conference. “But every single boxing gym I walk into now is packed with female fighters. That’s what legacy is all about, really.”