Katie Taylor confirms how close she came to Croke Park homecoming
Katie Taylor confirmed Croke Park was booked for a massive September homecoming.
Within seconds of the Wicklow warrior being confirmed as the victor of the ‘greatest women’s fight of all time’ against Amanda Serrano in Madison Square Garden in March, talk turned a Dublin-hosted rematch.
Both teams expressed a desire for a repeat and Croke Park was mentioned as the possible venue, much to the delight of Irish fight fans.
However, as Spring turned into Summer hopes of a Taylor fighting in Ireland for the first time dwindled. It became clear Serrano’s team wanted to explore other options first and rumour suggested Eddie Hearn would only come to Ireland if the New York based Puerto Rican, who has featherweight undisputed plans, populated the away corner.
'The biggest fights this year have actually been female fights.' 💯🥊
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👑🇮🇪 Undisputed lightweight world champion @KatieTaylor discusses the rise of women's boxing.
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Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg were then mentioned as potential Croker foes, but a homecoming was put on ice and the undisputed lightweight champion of the world defends her titles against unbeaten Argentinian Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in the OVO Arena Wembley this weekend instead.
Speaking to the MMA Hour, the 36-year-old revealed it could have been much different as a homecoming and historic night in Croke Park were initially on the cards. In fact, GAA headquarters was booked for a Taylor fight.
“I was obviously willing and ready to step back in an immediate rematch and we actually had Croke Park sealed off for one of the dates in September,” she said.
“I think Serrano and her team just wanted a couple of more fights maybe under her belt before going back into a rematch. We were always willing and ready to jump straight back in.
Katie Taylor on why a rematch with Amanda Serrano is not happening next.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/uOU5G5P2vO
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“We were in talks with Croke Park, the date was actually sealed off. Just the thoughts of having my homecoming fight in front of 80,000, I think that’s the only thing that could’ve topped what happened in Madison Square Garden.”
Serrano has continually said she is open to the idea of an Irish visit meaning there is still some hope. Although concerns now revolve around whether Eddie Hearn and Serrano’s manager Jake Paul can work together after the Matchroom took legal action against the Youtuber.
