In a highly anticipated rematch, Katie Taylor faced off against Amanda Serrano in Arlington, Texas, delivering another intense and physical battle reminiscent of their encounter two years ago. Taylor successfully defended her super lightweight championship with a narrow unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the bout 95-94 in her favor. However, this result was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, reflecting the contentious nature of this matchup, just as it had in their previous fight.
At 38 years old, Taylor, hailing from Ireland, improved her record to 24 wins, one loss, and six knockouts. The fight saw Serrano sustain a significant cut over her right eye in the sixth round, which was reportedly caused by a head-butt from Taylor. Despite this injury, Serrano pressed on and remained a fan favorite, echoing the sentiments from their last closely debated fight in New York.
Serrano’s trainer, Jordan Maldonado, expressed frustration at the officiating, citing the need for a fair referee and pointing out that this was the first fight in Serrano’s extensive career that resulted in a cut. Serrano herself remarked on her significant edge in landed punches, visibly shaken by the decision but still asserting her champion status.
Taylor dismissed the allegations of head-butting, focusing instead on her success in the ring, stating, “I really don’t care what’s being said about the fight. I’m 2-0 against Serrano.” The fight unfolded before a sold-out crowd, bringing attention to women’s boxing as both fighters demonstrated resilience and skill.
Looking ahead, the possibility of a third encounter hangs in the air, with both fighters’ competitive spirits igniting interest among fans and boxing enthusiasts alike.
This matchup not only showcased the talent of both fighters but also highlighted the growing interest and investment in women’s boxing. As both athletes continue to push the sport forward, their rivalry is sure to contribute to a brighter future for female fighters in the ring.