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In one of the most highly anticipated rematches in women’s boxing history, Katie Taylor successfully defended her undisputed lightweight titles against Amanda Serrano, earning a unanimous decision victory after 10 grueling rounds. The fight, which took place on a Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson undercard, showcased both women’s incredible skill, but also ignited controversy due to the closeness of the action, especially with some fans feeling the scoring was unfair.
The Build-Up: A Historic Rematch
The first fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in 2022 was a thrilling contest that saw Taylor edge out Serrano by a narrow decision, with many fans and analysts believing that Serrano deserved the win. With that in mind, this rematch had even more at stake. Taylor, the Irish lightweight champion, was defending not only her titles but also her reputation as one of the greatest female boxers in history. Amanda Serrano, a Puerto Rican knockout artist, was looking to avenge her first loss and capture the lightweight belts.
Fight Summary: A Battle of Styles
From the opening bell, it was clear that this would be a back-and-forth war between two of boxing’s finest. Serrano, known for her heavy hands and aggressive style, came out fast, aiming to impose her power early. She managed to land several sharp left hands and hooks in the early rounds, forcing Taylor to adjust her usual fast-paced style.
Katie Taylor, however, demonstrated why she’s one of the best in the world. Using her superior footwork and lightning-fast combinations, Taylor managed to keep Serrano at bay in the early rounds. Taylor’s precision and movement allowed her to land clean shots, but Serrano’s relentless pressure began to show as the rounds progressed.
Middle Rounds: Serrano Pressures Taylor
As the middle rounds unfolded, Amanda Serrano began to find her rhythm, landing power shots to Taylor’s body and head. She was able to corner Taylor at times, unleashing a flurry of punches that seemed to rattle the Irish champion. Taylor wasn’t backing down, though, and continued to fight with determination, landing sharp counters and using her jab to keep Serrano at range.
The most pivotal moment of the fight came in the eighth round. During a heated exchange, a head clash left Serrano with a cut above her right eye, adding drama to an already intense battle. The cut visibly affected Serrano, but she continued to press forward, refusing to let the injury hinder her performance.
The Final Rounds: Taylor’s Experience Shines
By the time the fight entered the final rounds, both fighters were visibly tired. The cut on Serrano’s eye became a significant factor, with the blood making it harder for her to land clean shots. Taylor, despite suffering some damage of her own, controlled the tempo in the last two rounds, landing sharper counters and managing her energy better.
In the final round, Serrano continued to press the action, but Taylor’s boxing IQ and experience allowed her to maintain control and avoid the worst of Serrano’s power. As the final bell rang, both fighters embraced in a show of respect, but the sense of uncertainty over the scorecards lingered.
The Decision: Unanimous Decision for Taylor
After a tense wait, the judges’ scorecards were read aloud. Katie Taylor was declared the winner by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 96-94 (twice) and 97-93.
While Taylor‘s victory was clear in the eyes of the judges, Serrano’s fans and several commentators expressed their belief that the fight had been much closer than the scorecards indicated. Many felt that Serrano’s aggression, especially in the middle rounds, had earned her at least one of the cards in her favor. The headbutt that led to Serrano’s cut also sparked debate, with some arguing that the damage should have factored into the judges’ scoring.
Controversy and Reactions: Was It a Fair Decision?
The decision to award Katie Taylor the victory was met with a mix of celebration and controversy. Fans of Amanda Serrano were vocal in their belief that the fight had been closer than the scorecards suggested. Some pointed to the headbutt-induced cut as a major factor that might have influenced the decision in Taylor’s favor.
After the fight, Katie Taylor showed nothing but respect for Serrano, acknowledging the toughness of her opponent. “Amanda is an incredible fighter, and this was a war,” Taylor said in her post-fight interview. “I knew it was going to be tough, and I’m so proud to be here tonight.”
Amanda Serrano, though disappointed, took the loss in stride. “I gave everything I had. I didn’t get the decision, but I’m not going anywhere. I’ll keep fighting,” Serrano stated after the fight, her pride in her performance evident despite the setback.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
After this intense rematch, the door remains open for a trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. The controversy surrounding the decision and the competitive nature of the two bouts has sparked calls for a third and final contest to definitively settle their rivalry.
Katie Taylor will likely continue her reign as the undisputed lightweight champion, but her performance showed that she is still vulnerable to elite challengers like Serrano. Taylor’s desire for legacy and her competitive spirit could mean that she’s open to a third fight with Serrano.
As for Amanda Serrano, the loss might sting, but it’s far from the end of her career. At 35 years old, Serrano is still one of the top female boxers in the world, and with a resume that includes numerous world championships across multiple weight classes, she’ll be back in the mix for more high-profile bouts. Many expect her to fight for a world title again soon, either at lightweight or in a higher division.
Conclusion: A Fight for the Ages
The Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 rematch was a classic battle of skill, heart, and resilience. While the decision to award Taylor the victory was clear, the controversy surrounding the fight’s scoring and the close nature of the contest ensures that their rivalry will not be forgotten. Whether a trilogy happens or not, both fighters have proven that they belong among the best in the sport, and their saga in women’s boxing is far from over.
For now, Katie Taylor stands as the victor, but the story between these two warriors is likely to continue, with many fans already clamoring for the next chapter.