Katie Taylor’s decision to fight on the undercard of tonight’s controversial bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul ‘makes a lot of sense given the money involved.

The Irish boxer is set to fight her long-term rival Amanda Serrano before ‘Iron Mike’ makes his return to the ring in Arlington, Texas this evening.

On Lunchtime Live, retired boxing journalist Seán McGoldrick said YouTuber Jake Paul is a controversial figure on the boxing world.

"True boxing fans are aghast at this," he said.

"Jake Paul is famous for being famous.

"He's a YouTuber who has latched on to professional boxing in the last few years."

Fee

Mr McGoldrick said while Paul has brought new eyes to the sport, his involvement "does besmirch the world of boxing".

The placement of Taylor and Serrano on the undercard of tonight's event has attracted criticism in Ireland – but Mr McGoldrick said "it makes a lot of sense" for the Bray boxer, particularly given the reported $6 million (€5.69m) fee.

"This is her biggest ever paycheque, and the biggest ever paycheque any female boxer has ever received," he said.

"At the end of the day in professional boxing, money talks and it was probably too good of an offer to resist."

Mr McGoldrick also said the opportunity to fight in such a large stadium is not one Taylor should pass up on.

"This is one of those things she has always wanted, and for a while she was anxious to fight in Croke Park," he said.

"This is a massive crowd."

Rivalry

Mr McGoldrick pointed to Taylor's long-held rivalry with Serrano as another reason for her to accept the fight.

The pair last fought each other in Madison Square Garden in 2022, with Taylor defending her lightweight belts.

"It was probably the greatest fight of all time, so it was always likely that there would be a sequel as that's the way boxing works now," he said.

Taylor will fight Serrano at the AT&T Stadium at 1am Irish time tonight.

Katie Taylor fights Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden. Picture by: Lev radin/Alamy.