Irish Katie Taylor beat Puerto Rican Amanda Serrano by majority decision on Saturday to retain her world lightweight title in a fight that will go down in history as the first two female boxers to headline the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York.
Taylor was declared the winner by two judges (96-93 and 97-93) and Serrano by only one (96-94), after a very close fight in an electric atmosphere for this unprecedented poster.
It’s the 21st win in as many fights for Taylor, who retains her four lightweight belts, being WBA champion since 2017, IBF champion since 2018, and WBC and WBO champion since 2019.
The outcome of the fight undoubtedly disappointed Serrano, who seemed to have taken the upper hand in the 5th round, showing more aggression and leaving Taylor’s nose bloody, after a relentless series of uppercuts.
“I had to dip into my resources,” Taylor said after the fight. “I knew I would be on the ropes at some point. She’s a phenomenal fighter, a really great person.”
“Both Winners”
But Taylor, a gold medalist at the 2012 Olympics, maintained a quicker footwork that allowed her to make the difference, dodging blows and countering with skill, showing herself to be particularly powerful in the eighth round.
The tenth round saw them finally fight hand to hand, chaining punches in the center of the ring until the final bell, before exchanging a hug at the end of the fight.
Serrano suffers her second career defeat (45 fights, 42 wins, including 30 by KO, 1 draw), she who had remained undefeated since 2012.
This highly anticipated fight has in any case lived up to expectations, while Madison Square Garden was sold out with 19,187 spectators. The two boxers gave their all, going blow for blow, never having a clear advantage over the other.
“It was an absolute war for ten occasions. I am grateful to be in such a situation and to sell out Madison Square Garden,” Taylor said. “We are both winners. We broke down so many barriers to get here,” she added.
“We put on quite a show. Katie is a great champion. She is undefeated and unchallenged. I’m truly honored to share the ring with her,” Serrano said after the fight, as talks have already begun to emerge over a rematch.
“Let’s do it again, Amanda,” Taylor offered after the fight. “As she wants,” Serrano replied.
Taylor’s promoter has suggested that this possible rematch takes place in Ireland, where the boxer has never fought professionally.