Katie Taylor's coach, Ross Enamait, has hit back at critics who have taken issue with the Bray native following her rematch with Amanda Serrano.
This month, Taylor and the Puerto Rican fighter faced off for the second time, with Taylor securing victory via unanimous decision (95-94) at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Serrano dominated the initial rounds, stunning Taylor with powerful left hands. However, a clash of heads in the sixth round worsened a cut on Serrano's eye. Taylor was penalised for the headbutt and had a point deducted but managed to hold on for the win, retaining her undisputed super lightweight title.
The fight sparked significant debate, with members of Serrano's camp labelling Taylor "dirty." Many fans also believed Serrano deserved the victory.
This week, Enamait appeared on the Irish radio station Off The Ball to praise his fighter and explain the tough preparation Taylor endures during fight week.
"That’s the one thing Katie has done unbelievably well throughout her career: when it gets gritty and it gets tough, she is willing to give everything she has in there," he told Off The Ball.
"That’s one of the reasons it’s so frustrating when you see all these people talking crap, basically, about her. It’s like, put some respect on her name.
"Not only has she done so much for the sport itself, but she literally gives every ounce that she has to the fight.
"And most people have no idea what that takes. You have to go somewhere that a lot of people want to think they can go to, but until you’re in that situation, you never know—and Katie’s done it time and time again."
During the fight, Netflix commentators claimed Serrano was "robbed" and suggested there would be an "asterisk" beside Taylor's legacy because of the headbutt.
Enamait also called out Rosie Perez for her commentary, accusing her of being biased in Serrano’s favour and emphasising the importance of fairness in broadcasting.
"You have a responsibility to call the fight fairly—just call what you see," he added.
"And again, I’m not pointing fingers at Rosie Perez; she’s a boxing fan, but does that mean she’s qualified to commentate on the most-viewed fight in history? Probably not.
"I knew she was going to be pro-Serrano, and obviously it doesn’t affect us. We just have to go there, execute our plan, and win the fight.
"You’d like to have an evenly called fight, just for the fans."
