Katie Taylor reveals her true opinion of Jake Paul after working with him as the boxing legend admits she's 'embarrassed' by the previous comments she made about the 'joke' YouTuber

Katie Taylor has headlined at Madison Square Garden, won Olympic gold, and become the undisputed champion in two weight classes. But ahead of perhaps the final fight of her iconic career, she's not just reflecting on rivalries or belts - she's admitting she was wrong about Jake Paul.

'I was one of those people who thought Jake Paul was a bit of a joke at the start,' she tells Mail Sport ahead of her trilogy bout with Amanda Serrano on Friday evening.

'Like, how is this guy fighting on these big cards? But I have to say, he's improved so much as a fighter himself. You can see the work he's put in over the years.'

More importantly for Taylor, it's what Paul has done outside the ring that has earned her gratitude.

'He's taken a real interest in elevating women's boxing, and he's been a huge part of these shows I've headlined. I'm super grateful.

'He's always been a complete gentleman with me, and I nearly feel embarrassed now, thinking about how I spoke about him before. He's played a really important role in my career the last few years.'

On Friday night, Taylor will return to Madison Square Garden to headline a record-breaking, all-female fight card streamed live on Netflix, with 17 world championship belts on the line - more than any other card in history.

It's the kind of moment that Most Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, was built for.

'This is exactly the kind of history we set out to make,' Paul and Bidarian said to Mail Sport ahead of the bout. 'Breaking a Guinness World Record on a night like this, with the best women fighters on the planet, is a landmark moment.'

At the heart of it all is Taylor vs. Serrano III, the final fight in a trilogy that began in 2022 and redefined what was possible for women in boxing.

'This is the first trilogy in the women's game this is Ali-Frazier territory,' Taylor says. 'We're making history again. The first two fights were mega-events. This one? I think it might be the best yet.'

The Irish star's voice softens when she talks about what these nights have meant, not just to her, but to the next generation.

'After the first Serrano fight, I went back to the gym a couple of weeks later, and there were young girls training purely because they'd watched that fight. At Madison Square Garden. That's what it's all about. That's why I do this.'

She's taken damage in the ring, she jokes about people staring at her bruises in the street, but nothing has shaken her sense of purpose.

'I was black and blue after both fights, yeah. But I heal quickly. And I've been lucky, not many fighters get nights like this. Headlining mega-cards, in the Garden, on Netflix… This is what you dream about.'

Taylor turned 39 this month. In 2023, she suffered the first defeat of her professional career against Chantelle Cameron, a moment she now views as necessary.

'I definitely feel like I came out a better fighter from that loss. It sparked something in me. And sometimes, that's what it takes to grow. I don't think I would be the fighter I am now without that moment.'

That growth, she says, has brought clarity.

'I'm definitely at the end of my career. I know that. But at this point, only the really big fights interest me. The ones that mean something. Fights like this.'

The trilogy finale against Amanda Serrano means everything. And the location only amplifies it.

'That first night at Madison Square Garden… I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I'll probably appreciate it even more after I retire. But walking out, hearing that crowd, it was just electric. Every fighter dreams of nights like that. It exceeded every expectation.'

Still, she says, when the bell rings - if she can even hear it - her world narrows.

'It's funny, in an arena that loud, the only voice I hear is my coach's. Just that one voice. You're completely locked in. We couldn't even hear the bell at one point it was so loud, but I could hear him. That's all I needed.'

And while fans wonder if this is her last walk to the ring, Taylor is doing her best not to look too far ahead.

'I don't think it's wise to talk about retirement before a fight,' she says with a smile. 'But I feel strong. I feel good. Ask me again after Friday night.'

That said, she has no plans to disappear forever.

'I'm definitely looking forward to going on holiday for a couple of weeks!' she laughs. 'But I do think I'll stay involved in the sport somehow. I found boxing when I was young, I've given it everything. It would be a pity to walk away and not be there for the next generation in some way.'

And whether this is the end or simply the next milestone in her storied journey, one thing is clear: Katie Taylor has helped lift boxing to heights few thought possible, with a little help from the unlikeliest of allies.

'Jake's been hugely beneficial for my career,' she says, again. 'And I don't think we'd be where we are without him. That's just the truth.'

Later, the truth will play out again under the lights at Madison Square Garden. One more time.