In a blooming Garden of her own making, Taylor still plants seeds for future

As Irish champion finally gets to narrow her focus on Amanda Serrano, she thinks big picture: 'This is for the next generation of female fighters.'

Striding forward: Legacy is on Katie Taylor's mind in Manhattan. But so is glory. She's ready to win ugly if needs be. Pic: INPHO/Gary Carr

After years of speculation, months of preparation and a long week of hype and Manhattan madness, Katie Taylor steps into the ring at Madison Square Garden this evening carrying the expectations of a nation as well as a sport constantly looking to reinvent itself.

But you wouldn’t be able to tell based on her body language this week. The 35-year-old Bray woman, who relocated to the Connecticut town of Manchester five years ago, has embraced the pressure of being the first ever female headliner of a Garden card and credits those around her for keeping her steady.