Katie Taylor reveals the secrets to her success

Katie Taylor stands as a beacon in women's boxing, not only for her skill in the ring but also for her humble, unassuming nature and her deep-rooted faith. She has inspired countless young fighters, and her legacy is already one of historic fights and groundbreaking achievements.

Yet despite the fame and pressure, Taylor remains grounded - crediting the simplicity of her upbringing and her devotion to faith and family for keeping her on the straight and narrow.

Taylor is looking to create more history on Friday night by breaking viewing figures for her rematch with Amanda Serrano - which will feature 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 obligations. But, how can someone so famous stay so private?

Growing up in Bray, Ireland, Taylor's family did not 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 recalls .

This modest upbringing is part of what makes Taylor so down-to-earth, even today. She credits the love and support of her family with shaping her character and contributing to her success, saying, 'I know what it was like to have very little... but I have an amazing group of people around me and amazing family around me.'

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 for Taylor to take up the sport. 'There's never any pressure for me getting involved in boxing,' she says.

Instead, it was her own love of the sport that drew her in. '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 noises.' From the very beginning, boxing became her 'number one passion.'

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 match, her mother, Bridget Taylor, enters the dressing room to pray with her, a tradition and comfort Taylor cherishes deeply.

'I think for me, my whole foundation is around my faith,' she explains. 'That moment before a fight when my mom is praying with me... is one of the most important moments for my preparation.' It's a reminder of who she is and what truly matters, centering her focus and bringing her a sense of calm.

In interviews, Taylor speaks openly about her spiritual beliefs. She finds encouragement in scripture and worship music, grounding herself in her purpose beyond the boxing ring. 'The reason I've been able to keep going for so long, I think, is because of that as well. I get great encouragement just from even reading scripture and listening to those worship songs.'

Taylor is not only an extraordinary athlete but also a trailblazer for women's boxing. Her historic fight against Amanda Serrano in 2022 at Madison Square Garden was a turning point, marking the first time women headlined a card at the iconic venue. 'It was such a historic night,' Taylor reflects, 'My name is always going to be mentioned next to her name now for the rest of our lives.'

Taylor recognises the responsibility of her position, embracing it with grace and humility. 'I think, like Billie Jean King said, the pressure is a privilege, and there's pressure on you for a reason,' she says. Knowing her impact on the next generation, particularly 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.

In the ring, Taylor's approach is shaped by the same courageous mindset 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's 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 aren't afraid to take risks in the sport, who are willing to step in and take these big fights,' she explains.'

For Taylor, being one of the best is not just about winning but also about fighting the best. 'Those guys are going down as legends of the sport because of that,' she notes, admiring the fearless mentalities of her idols. The same determination drives her to continue seeking out challenging opponents, and it's one of the many reasons why she has become a revered figure in boxing.

Despite her fame and success, Taylor remains remarkably humble, rooted in a simple life. She admits, 'I've always loved a simple life anyway, and I don't really do too much besides spending time with family.' She stays grounded by focusing on what's most important to her: faith, family, and training. She describes her life as one defined by routine, finding fulfillment in the quiet moments away from the ring.

Taylor's humility extends to her own self-perception. When asked if she considers herself humble, she deflects the question, crediting her success to those around her: 'I don't think I'm a humble person, but I realise that I wouldn't be in the position I am in today if it wasn't for the group of people I have around me—my coach, my team, and my family.'