An undefeated fighter rarely suffers the first loss of her professional career and by year’s end still ends up being recognized as the best boxer of that calendar year.
But that’s exactly what Katie Taylor did.
Although Amanda Serrano went 3-0, became the undisputed featherweight champion and competed in the first women’s world title fight with 12 three-minute rounds since 2007, she didn’t face the level of opposition Taylor did.
Taylor entered 2023 after a banner year in which she defeated Serrano, in what was described as the “biggest women’s fight of all time” at Madison Square Garden. It secured her place as the biggest star in women’s boxing.
WATCH: Taylor vs. Serrano named the Sporting News’ 2022 Fight of the Year
After a highly-anticipated rematch with Amanda Serrano was postponed due to Serrano suffering an injury, Taylor could have simply waited for her rival to heal. Instead, she dared to be great.
On May 21, Taylor jumped up a weight class to challenge undisputed female light-welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron. The 32-year-old fighter from Northampton, England was bigger, stronger and younger than Taylor.
Some would say that it was an ill-advised move for Taylor considering that she had a massive rematch with Serrano…
