Katie Taylor is a beacon in women’s boxing, not only for her skills in the ring, but also for her humble, unassuming nature and her deeply held faith. She has inspired countless young fighters and her legacy is one of historic fights and groundbreaking achievements.
But despite the fame and pressure, Taylor remains grounded. She credits the simplicity of her upbringing and her dedication to faith and her family for keeping her on the straight and narrow.
Taylor is looking to make more history on Friday night by breaking the ratings for her rematch with Amanda Serrano – which will appear as the co-main event on a card headlined by Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in Arlington, Texas.
But Taylor has made it clear over the years that she doesn’t need the attention. Some would say she actually hates the cameras, the scheduled press events and her sponsorship commitments. But how can someone so famous remain so private?
Growing up in Bray, Ireland, Taylor’s family didn’t have much, but she describes her childhood as happy and full. “We didn’t grow up in the best environment or with a lot, but I was such a happy kid,” she remembers.
This humble upbringing is part of what makes Taylor so down-to-earth even today. She credits the love and support of her family for shaping her character and contributing to her success, saying, “I know what it was like to have very little… but I have a great group of people around me and a wonderful family around me. .’
Katie Taylor is a beacon in women’s boxing, not only for her skill in the ring, but also for her humble, unassuming nature and her deeply held faith
Taylor is looking to make more history on Friday by breaking the ratings for her rematch with Amanda Serrano – which will appear as the co-main event on Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
Boxing is in her blood; her father, Pete Taylor, was a national boxing champion, and her siblings also spent time in the gym. Despite this, there was no pressure on Taylor to take up the sport. “There is never any pressure for me to take part in boxing,” she says.
Instead, it was her own love for the sport that drew her into it. “I was involved in so many different sports as a kid, and then I stepped into the boxing gym… I just fell in love with the boxing gym, even the smell… and the sounds.” From the very beginning, boxing became her ‘passion number one’.
Central to Taylor’s resilience and success is her faith, a cornerstone that gives her both strength and perspective. Her relationship with God is woven into her daily life and is an essential part of her pre-fight routine. Before every game, her mother, Bridget Taylor, enters the locker room to pray with her, a tradition and comfort that Taylor cherishes deeply.
“I think for me, my whole foundation is around my faith,” she explains. “That moment before a fight when my mother is praying with me… is one of the most important moments for my preparation.” It’s a reminder of who she is and what really matters, centering her focus and giving her a sense of calm.
In interviews, Taylor openly speaks about her spiritual beliefs. She finds encouragement in Bible verses and worship music, anchoring her in her purpose beyond the boxing ring. ‘I think that is also the reason why I have been able to hold on for so long. Just reading the Bible and listening to those worship songs gives me great encouragement.”
Taylor is not only an extraordinary athlete, but also a pioneer in women’s boxing. Her historic fight against Amanda Serrano in 2022 at Madison Square Garden was a turning point, marking the first time women have headlined a card at the iconic venue. “It was such a historic evening,” Taylor reflects, “my name will now always be mentioned next to hers for the rest of our lives.”
Taylor recognizes the responsibility of her position and embraces it with grace and humility. “I think, as Billie Jean King said, the pressure is a privilege, and the pressure is put on you for a reason,” she says. Knowing her impact on the next generation, especially young girls, is both humbling and motivating. “It’s amazing to hear that these fights are inspiring the next generation of young girls to fight,” she says, adding that she is “very, very grateful” to be in this position.
For Taylor, being one of the best isn’t just about winning, it’s also about fighting against the best
Despite her fame and success, Taylor remains remarkably modest, rooted in a simple life
The Irish star boxed from a young age and is the daughter of a national champion
In the ring, Taylor’s approach is shaped by the same courageous mentality she admired in legendary fighters like Tommy Hearns, Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard. She has never shied away from taking risks and believes it is her duty as a professional boxer to fight the best, even if it means putting herself on the line. “I wanted to be like people who are not afraid to take risks in sports, who are willing to step in and take on big fights,” she explains.”
For Taylor, being one of the best isn’t just about winning, it’s also about fighting against the best. “Those boys will go down in history as legends of the sport,” she notes, admiring the fearless mentality of her idols. That same determination drives her to continue seeking out challenging opponents, and it is one of the many reasons why she has become a respected figure in boxing.
Despite her fame and success, Taylor remains remarkably modest, rooted in a simple life. She admits, “I’ve always liked a simple life anyway, and I don’t really do much other than spend time with my family.” She stays grounded by focusing on what matters most to her: faith, family and training. She describes her life as one characterized by routine and finding fulfillment in the quiet moments outside the ring.
Taylor’s humility extends to her own self-perception. When asked if she considers herself humble, she dodges the question and attributes her success to those around her: “I don’t think I’m a humble person, but I realize I wouldn’t be in the position where where I am now. without the group of people I have around me: my coach, my team and my family.’