Katie Taylor secured her undisputed world light-welterweight championship title in a tightly contested rematch against Amanda Serrano, but the decision was met with significant controversy and boos from the crowd at AT&T Stadium. This bout served as a co-main event to the highly publicized fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.
Serrano, the Puerto Rican challenger, was notably the more aggressive fighter throughout the match, outlanding Taylor and showcasing a higher volume of punches. During the fight, a clash of heads in the fourth round resulted in a substantial cut over Serrano’s right eye, which bled profusely as the match progressed.
In an incident that added to the drama, Taylor was penalized with a point deduction in the eighth round for a headbutt. Many spectators and commentators believed Serrano had done enough to avenge her previous loss to Taylor, which took place over two years ago at Madison Square Garden.
To the astonishment of the crowd and Serrano herself, all judges scored the bout 95-94 in favor of Taylor. As Taylor celebrated her victory in the ring, Serrano was visibly shocked, prompting loud boos from the audience regarding the decision.
After the fight, Taylor dismissed concerns about the backlash, asserting that she did not fight unfairly. She acknowledged the tough nature of the match and its significance for women’s boxing. Serrano, however, expressed her belief that the headbutts were intentional, highlighting the challenges of fighting with a serious cut and her determination to continue competing at a high level.
Serrano stated her surprise on social media, noting she landed 107 punches more than Taylor, yet still lost the fight.
In the spotlight of the event, YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul achieved a victory over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in the main event, potentially paving his way into the boxing world.
In summary, this rematch highlighted the ongoing debate over judging and scoring in boxing, particularly for women’s bouts. While Taylor emerged victorious, the questionable nature of the decision has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
This fight reinforces the excitement and unpredictability of boxing, particularly in the realm of women’s sports, where athletes like Taylor and Serrano continue to elevate the competition and capture the world’s attention.