In a high-stakes rematch, Katie Taylor once again edged Amanda Serrano in a disputed decision that has divided fans and analysts alike. The bout took place in Arlington, Texas, and concluded with all three judges scoring it 95-94 in favor of Taylor, marking another controversial moment in their rivalry.
Serrano faced a significant challenge throughout the fight, battling a severe cut above her right eye caused by a series of head clashes with Taylor. This led to a point deduction for Taylor in the eighth round, but despite the setback, Taylor rallied back in the later rounds to sway the judges’ opinions.
Following the match, a visibly disappointed Serrano voiced her frustration. “She kept head butting me, but we knew that from the very beginning from the first fight,” said Serrano. “I’m a Boricua. I’m going to die in this ring no matter what, no matter how many cuts I have on my face.” Serrano surged early in the fight, landing powerful punches that had Taylor on the defensive for much of the early rounds. However, Taylor’s experience showed as she regained control in the later frames, reminiscent of their first encounter in April 2022, which was also marked by a tightly contested decision.
Both fighters expressed interest in a possible third match, although Serrano’s trainer, Jordan Maldonado, emphasized that any future bout would require clearer officiating, raising concerns about Taylor’s fighting style. The fight was showcased at AT&T Stadium, the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys, and was streamed on Netflix, drawing substantial attention even amid reported technical difficulties experienced by some viewers.
This rematch not only highlighted the ongoing rivalry between two of women’s boxing’s titans but also brought significant attention to the sport, especially in a unique streaming format. Despite the controversy, the resilience and determination displayed by both competitors signals a bright future for women in boxing, setting the stage for possibly even more thrilling encounters.
Overall, while the decision may leave lingering questions, it also reflects the competitive spirit and talent that both Taylor and Serrano bring to the ring, promising more exciting challenges ahead for boxing enthusiasts.