ARLINGTON, Texas — The highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano turned out to be as thrilling and contentious as their first encounter. In a fiercely competitive battle, Taylor successfully defended her undisputed super lightweight championship with a narrow unanimous decision, winning 95-94 on all three judges’ scorecards.
The atmosphere was electric at AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, where the fight unfolded as part of a co-main event that included Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. Despite Taylor’s victory, the crowd reacted with skepticism, showering the decision with boos, reminiscent of the outcry following their initial match in New York two years ago.
At 38, Taylor remains the undisputed super lightweight champion and improved her record to 24 wins, 1 loss—six victories by knockout. Serrano, who showcased incredible resilience despite a severe cut over her right eye sustained in the sixth round, has a record of 47 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 31 knockouts to her name. The Puerto Rican boxer vocalized her disappointment in the fight’s outcome, particularly highlighting her belief that a headbutt from Taylor caused her injury—an issue that had caused confusion and controversy in their first bout as well.
Serrano, a fan favorite, managed to outland Taylor with a stunning 324 punches to 217 and expressed frustration at the decision. Her post-fight remarks emphasized her champion’s spirit, stating, “I’m a champion, no matter what.” Additionally, her trainer, Jordan Maldonado, reiterated concerns regarding the referee and the apparent headbutting tactics, insisting that future fights must be officiated more fairly.
Despite the accusations, Taylor dismissed the allegations, asserting her focus on the victory and her performance. “I really don’t care what’s being said about the fight,” she stated confidently, underscoring her winning record against Serrano.
The bout was filled with intense exchanges, particularly following Serrano’s injury, which visibly affected her, as she fought fiercely to keep pressure on Taylor. As the fight progressed, Serrano seemed to rally, putting Taylor in a challenging position towards the end, though Taylor managed to withstand the offense.
Both fighters acknowledged the significance of their previous match, which had been a historic moment for women in boxing. While the outcome of this rematch may leave some questions unanswered, it undeniably showcased the breaking of barriers in women’s sports and drew immense attention to the boxing world.
Looking forward, the future battles for both fighters remain promising, especially if they decide to meet in the ring for a third time. Fans and promoters alike eagerly call for another showdown as both athletes continue to carve their legacies in the sport.
Overall, these two remarkable athletes have captivated audiences and furthered the prominence of women’s boxing, leaving fans hoping for another exciting chapter in their rivalry.