RTE Sport presenter Paul O’Flynn said “We’re lucky to have her” while hailing Katie Taylor as a wonderful ambassador for Ireland.
The pair shared an embrace after The Bray Bomber once again defeated Amanda Serrano by a majority decision.
O’Flynn is a familiar face from RTE News broadcasts over the years[/caption]
O’Flynn had been dispatched to The Big Apple for the week to cover Taylor’s latest historic Madison Square Garden date.
And upon the completion of the one-sided trilogy, he snagged a photo with the jubilant 39-year-old as he hailed her as a fighter and person.
He praised: “A fresh Katie Taylor in NY this am! Whatever comes next, I’ve been honoured to follow her career for RTE Sport.
“From Bray to Barbados, China, the Olympics and an epic Serrano trilogy. A champion, amazing ambassador for our country & a lovely person. We’re lucky to have her.”
Taylor and Serrano topped an all-female billing at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. If their first two fights were white-knuckle brawls that had fans on their feet, the third was a more strategic affair.
Both landed just 70 punches apiece across the ten rounds, as they learned from their previous concussive battles.
And promoter Eddie Hearn believes this KT display cements her as the greatest female boxer of all time.
The Matchroom Boxing head honcho added: “It is a non negotiable, mate. On so many different levels.
“The way she carries herself, the role model she is to young people, the way she fights, the way she trains, the barriers she has broken down.
“Just a complete legend. I’m proud of her, you should be proud of her, the whole of Ireland.”
Speaking after her hand was raised, Taylor offered the biggest hint that she was considering retirement, admitting she “doesn’t know” if she will keep going.
Hearn, however, suggested that Ireland’s favourite daughter is fresh as a daisy and has plenty left in the tank.
He said: “if it was really tough tonight, does the conversation come where you say: is it time?
“She is fresh as a daisy. She can do another 30 rounds. Normally, she is out on her feet.
“When she boxes like that, I know it might not be as enjoyable but if you know anything about boxing, that is an absolute masterclass.”
Katie herself added: “I thought I was boxing very very smart, very well. She wasn’t catching me with much tonight.
“It is always a very, very close contest between myself and Amanda. Sometimes it is hard to tell from each round but I just thank God that my hand was raised and I am 3-0.
“I was coming in here planning to fight disciplined and smart. I was planning on doing it the other two times but it didn’t work out like that!
“Thankfully I was able to execute the game plan really well. I have a huge amount of respect for Amanda Serrano. What a warrior! Thank you so much.”
