what was a highly anticipated rematch of one of the greatest women’s boxing fights in recent memory, Katie Taylor triumphed over Amanda Serrano by unanimous decision in a closely contested and controversial bout. The fight, which took place in 2024, generated huge excitement and expectation as fans were eager to see who would come out on top in this long-awaited sequel.
Here’s a breakdown of the fight and the controversial decision:
Round-by-Round Highlights:
Round 1: The fight started with both fighters exchanging heavy punches early on. Serrano, known for her power, came out strong, looking to close the distance and land hard hooks, while Taylor relied on her superior footwork and fast hands to score points from the outside. Serrano’s power was evident, but Taylor’s precision and speed made it a difficult round to call. Serrano may have edged it with her stronger shots, but Taylor’s boxing was also effective.
Round 2-4: Serrano continued to press the action, landing solid body shots and hooks that visibly affected Taylor. However, Taylor’s ring generalship and ability to counter were shining through as she danced around the ring, landing clean combinations in response to Serrano’s power punches. Serrano did well in close quarters, but Taylor’s footwork allowed her to land more shots at a distance.
Round 5-7: As the rounds progressed, Serrano’s relentless pressure began to dominate the exchanges. She started to land cleaner shots, especially with her left hooks, and Taylor seemed to be having difficulty dealing with the physicality and power of Serrano. Taylor’s face showed signs of damage, with swelling around her left eye. Serrano’s aggression and heavier punches seemed to have the upper hand during these rounds. Many ringside observers began to feel Serrano was gaining the advantage as Taylor struggled to keep up with the pace.
Round 8-9: Taylor rallied back in these rounds, using her speed and technical skill to counter Serrano’s attacks. She landed some crisp combinations and managed to score on the outside, showing why she’s been a dominant champion. However, Serrano wasn’t backing down, and despite taking some clean punches, she kept coming forward, looking for that knockout blow. Both fighters exchanged blows in a back-and-forth manner, but it was clear that Serrano’s power was continuing to wear on Taylor.
Round 10: The final round was the most dramatic of the fight, with both fighters giving their all. Taylor had a strong finish, landing some key punches in the final minute that seemed to secure the round for her. Serrano, however, still pushed forward, trying to land that one decisive blow. The round ended with both fighters exhausted, but Taylor’s late surge appeared to give her the edge in what had been an incredibly close fight.
The Decision:
After ten rounds of back-and-forth action, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards. Katie Taylor was declared the winner by unanimous decision with the scorecards reading:
- 97-93
- 96-94
- 96-94
However, the decision was met with widespread controversy. While Taylor’s skills and footwork were undeniable, many observers—fans, analysts, and fellow fighters—felt that Amanda Serrano had done enough to win. Serrano’s more aggressive approach and harder punches, particularly in the middle rounds, appeared to have the greater impact on Taylor. In contrast, Taylor’s performance was marked by evasive tactics, slick boxing, and scoring points, but many felt she was outgunned by Serrano’s power.
The Controversy:
The decision left fans and analysts divided. Many believed Serrano had won more rounds with her aggressive style, and some ringside commentators argued that the judges had been overly favorable to Taylor’s footwork and combination punching, which was often less impactful than Serrano’s heavier shots. Several prominent figures, including Claressa Shields, Deontay Wilder, and others, voiced their belief that Serrano should have been awarded the victory.
- Serrano’s Power: Throughout the fight, Serrano’s power punches, especially her left hooks and body shots, seemed to hurt Taylor more significantly. Despite being pushed backward for large portions of the fight, Serrano’s pressure appeared to outwork Taylor at times.
- Taylor’s Ring Craft: While Taylor’s boxing was technically sound and she landed some crisp combinations, her defensive style—moving around the ring and avoiding exchanges—may have led the judges to overlook the damage caused by Serrano’s power punches. Some felt that Taylor’s inability to stand her ground against Serrano’s pressure in many rounds made her victory less convincing.
Post-Fight Reactions:
The aftermath of the fight was filled with mixed reactions from fans and fighters. While Katie Taylor celebrated her victory, many believed that Amanda Serrano had earned the win. Social media was flooded with opinions on the controversial decision, with many calling for a third fight to settle the score once and for all.
- Katie Taylor’s Response: Taylor acknowledged the tough challenge Serrano posed and expressed respect for her opponent’s heart and power. However, she also defended her performance, saying that her technical boxing had been the key to securing the decision.
- Amanda Serrano’s Reaction: Serrano and her team were visibly upset by the decision, with many in her corner feeling that she had done enough to win. Serrano, a fan-favorite with a massive following, took to social media to express her disappointment but promised to keep pushing forward in her career.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
- Katie Taylor: Taylor retains her undisputed lightweight titles, but the controversy surrounding this win may lead to calls for a third fight between her and Serrano. Fans want a clear winner, and a trilogy could give both fighters the chance to leave no doubt about who the true champion is. Taylor could also explore other challenges in the lightweight division, but the demand for a rubber match with Serrano is likely to remain high.
- Amanda Serrano: Despite the setback, Serrano remains one of the most dangerous and respected fighters in the world. Many believe she should have been awarded the win in this fight, and her performance continues to demonstrate that she is one of the top competitors in women’s boxing. Serrano may seek a third fight with Taylor, as well as other potential matchups in the women’s lightweight or super featherweight divisions.
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