Katie Taylor’s recent points decision win against Amanda Serrano has sparked controversy, with audience members expressing their displeasure through boos at AT&T Stadium. The match, held as a co-main event before the high-profile Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, was a thrilling rematch between the two fighters, who last faced off in 2022.
Serrano, hailing from Puerto Rico, was the more aggressive contender during the fight, landing a higher volume of punches compared to Taylor. However, the Irish boxer, known for her strategic prowess, managed to counter effectively at various moments. A significant incident occurred in the fourth round when the fighters’ heads collided, resulting in a severe cut above Serrano’s right eye, which bled heavily throughout the match.
The bout took a turn when Taylor was penalized with a point deduction in the eighth round for a headbutt. Many observers, including Serrano, felt that she had done enough to secure a win and avenge her previous loss to Taylor, which took place over two years ago in Madison Square Garden.
In a shocking twist, all three judges scored the match 95-94 in Taylor’s favor, leaving Serrano and much of the audience in disbelief. After the fight, while Taylor celebrated her victory, she dismissed the backlash, stating she was unconcerned with the negative reception and defending her conduct during the match as part of the competitive nature of boxing. “I didn’t agree with the points deduction…It was an absolute slugfest, a war,” she remarked, highlighting the significance of the fight for women’s boxing.
On the other hand, Serrano expressed her discontent with the result, asserting that she believed Taylor’s headbutts were intentional. She shared her perspective on the impact of injuries like cuts during fights, emphasizing her commitment to competing at the highest level, regardless of the challenges she faces in the ring.
In the wake of the fight, Serrano took to social media to express her astonishment at the judges’ decision, noting that despite landing significantly more punches, she still faced defeat.
In another notable event of the evening, Jake Paul emerged victorious over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson by unanimous decision, adding another chapter to his evolving boxing career.
This match not only underscores the intense competitions in women’s boxing but also the growing fan engagement in the sport. While the decision may have cast a shadow over Taylor’s victory, it has undoubtedly ignited a conversation about the future of women’s boxing and the importance of fair judging in the sport, suggesting that the push for equality and recognition in boxing will continue to grow stronger.