YOU HAVE HEARNED IT, KATIE

ROBERT HYNES

BY

KATIE TAYLOR’S victory over Amanda Serrano proved that the Bray Bomber is the greatest female fighter of all time.

That was the view of her promoter Eddie Hearn following the historic Madison Square Garden bout over the weekend.

The Matchroom boss was asked how she compared to other greats both past and present like Claressa Shields, Laila Ali and Christy Martin but Hearn claims there is no comparison to Taylor.

He replied: “They’re great champions. But when you look at what Katie has done, from the amateur game to the Olympics, to how she has opened so many doors. And I actually said on social media that she’s paved the way for so many people but tonight is about herself.

“Katie is very selfless – she wants to inspire the next generation without actually realising that these moments are what she’s worked for and what she’s created.

“And that’s what was nice about the ring walk because a lot of times she’s been on the coattails of other shows.

“When she boxed Delfine

Persoon here, she was on the

Anthony Joshua card. Tonight they were all here for her.

“It was the first time I’ve seen her walk out and soak it up. She deserved that moment. It’s nice to give to others, it’s nice to pave the way for others but you should also be very proud of what you’ve achieved when you’ve achieved what Katie has.”

Ex-world champion Martin (inset) described Taylor in glowing terms: “That’s a true champion. When they get knocked down, they come back. Of course she didn’t get knocked down but she came back out of the corner and composed herself, especially in the last three rounds. She needed to win those rounds and I think she did.

“The fight has to be right up there as the best. Every round had action, something in it and at one point Katie was hurt and I really thought Serrano was going to stop her. This was about to be over but with her heart and talent Katie came back.”