Tuesday 14 November 2017 20:19, UK
Katie Taylor admits this year has been an "absolute dream" but is already looking forward to unifying her division and making her homecoming in 2018.
The WBA lightweight world champion will make the first defence of her title against American Jessica McCaskill on December 13, live on Sky Sports.
Taylor has already had five professional fights this year, including fighting on fellow Olympic and world champion, Anthony Joshua's cards.
She won the WBA strap by dominating former champion Anahi Sanchez in October and without overlooking McCaskill, hopes the last 12 months will be the perfect platform for even bigger success in 2018.
"It's definitely exceeded all my expectations and it's been a very exciting year," she exclusively told Sky Sports News' SportsWoman.
"I've had the chance to box on big, big bills all year really, and this is what I've been dreaming of as a child really, boxing on these big nights, to be in big fights and box for world titles.
"It's been an absolute dream. I want to be in big fights, I want to unify the division and I want to make history in this sport.
"There are so many great fights in and around the lightweight division, so I am looking forward to a bright future."
Taylor boxed at both Wembley Stadium and the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, in a busy year that saw her move to 7-0-KO4 and pick up the WBA belt.
She received an "absolutely fantastic" reception on returning to her hometown of Bray, following her world title win, but with the 31-year-old based in Connecticut, New England, while in camp, she is looking forward to getting her homecoming fight next year.
"It was great to go back home," she said.
"For the past few months I've been based out here in Connecticut training, so it was great to catch up with family and friends and celebrate with them.
"The reception and reaction since that fight has been absolutely fantastic. The support through my whole career has been and I am so grateful for that, so I want to keep that going.
"I've had the privilege of boxing across the UK last year in big, big fights and big stadiums and the reception has been fantastic, all the way through, but I guess it is just a taste of what it will be like when I do box at home.
"I can't wait to box at home in front of my own crowd. I am so excited about that."
Watch Katie Taylor vs Jessica McCaskill, from York Hall, on Wednesday, December 13, live on Sky Sports.