Katie Taylor Wins Controversial Decision in Amanda Serrano Rematch

In one of the most highly anticipated boxing rematches of the year, Katie Taylor narrowly defeated Amanda Serrano by a unanimous decision, but the result was far from without controversy. The fight, which took place in 2024, was a rematch of their iconic 2022 battle, widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s boxing fights of all time. The pair had already proven their elite-level skill and heart, but their second encounter, which once again captivated fans worldwide, was marred by intense debate over the scoring.

The Fight Breakdown:

Both Taylor and Serrano entered the ring with a lot to prove, but the rematch was more than just about pride. It was about cementing their legacy as two of the best women’s boxers in history. Their first fight was a split decision victory for Taylor, and this one was expected to be just as close.

Round 1-3: From the opening bell, both fighters wasted no time engaging in an intense battle. Serrano came out strong, utilizing her power punches, landing clean shots to Taylor’s head and body. Taylor, as expected, employed her quick footwork and technical boxing skills, trying to maintain distance while countering Serrano’s aggressive approach. While Serrano landed the more telling punches, Taylor’s movement and ability to land clean combinations kept her competitive.
Round 4-6: By the middle rounds, Serrano began to take control with her relentless pressure. Her punches were landing with more authority, and Taylor, who had looked increasingly fatigued, had trouble avoiding the heavier shots. Serrano’s strength and physicality in close exchanges seemed to dominate, while Taylor’s elusive style had less of an impact in these middle rounds. Many fans ringside felt that Serrano was pulling ahead on the scorecards, as her punches seemed to hurt Taylor more than the other way around.
Round 7-9: The momentum continued to swing towards Serrano, whose power shots—especially her left hooks—appeared to be the more effective weapon. Taylor was forced to fight off the back foot, and her counters were becoming less frequent as Serrano’s high-pressure style wore her down. Serrano also landed some clean body punches, visibly affecting Taylor. Despite this, Taylor fought back in spurts, landing some clean shots that earned her some moments in the rounds, but Serrano’s aggressive pursuit remained dominant.
Round 10: The final round was crucial. Taylor had to finish strong to salvage the fight in the eyes of the judges. She delivered a few solid combinations, managing to outbox Serrano in the last moments of the fight, showing some of the brilliant skills that had made her a champion. However, Serrano did not back down, continuing to push forward, looking for the big finish. Both fighters left everything in the ring, but the round seemed to favor Taylor with her cleaner shots and sharper counters.

The Controversial Decision:

When the scorecards were announced, it was Katie Taylor who emerged victorious by a unanimous decision with scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 96-94. While these scores might have been justified by some, many observers, including fans, pundits, and analysts, felt that Amanda Serrano had done enough to win the fight.

Serrano’s Stronger Moments: Despite Taylor’s slick boxing and speed, Serrano’s punches were more impactful and seemed to hurt Taylor more throughout the fight. Many believed that Serrano’s power shots—particularly her left hooks and body punches—had a greater effect on Taylor than vice versa. Taylor, known for her clean technique and movement, struggled at times to avoid Serrano’s pressure, and many saw Serrano as the more aggressive and effective fighter.
Scoring Discrepancies: The scoring of the fight became the subject of intense debate, with many fans and fighters expressing their belief that Serrano had done more than enough to secure the victory. Critics argued that Taylor’s footwork and speed, while impressive, shouldn’t outweigh the effectiveness of Serrano’s power punches, particularly since Taylor was visibly affected by them in several rounds. The judges’ decision to award Taylor the win by such a wide margin left many questioning whether the scoring system had properly reflected the ebb and flow of the fight.
Public Reaction: The decision was met with a flood of criticism on social media, with many fans pointing out that Serrano seemed to have the edge in several key rounds. Claressa Shields, Deontay Wilder, and other fighters took to social media to voice their opinions, suggesting that Serrano had done enough to win and that the decision had been influenced by factors beyond what was happening inside the ring.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

Katie Taylor: With the controversial win, Taylor remains the undisputed lightweight champion, but her victory has been overshadowed by the disputed nature of the decision. Taylor may now face calls for a third fight with Serrano, especially considering how close the first two encounters have been. A trilogy could serve as the ultimate decider and a fitting conclusion to their rivalry, with Taylor’s position as the champion likely putting her in the driving seat for a rubber match.
Amanda Serrano: Despite the controversial loss, Serrano’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. The Puerto Rican champion proved she is still a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world, and many believe she won the fight on the night. Serrano’s camp will likely push for a third fight with Taylor, as the demand from fans and the desire for closure on the rivalry grows. Whether or not Serrano gets another shot at Taylor, she remains one of the biggest names in women’s boxing and will continue to draw attention with her power and skill.

Legacy Impact:

For Katie Taylor, the victory keeps her legacy intact as one of the greatest women’s boxers of all time, but this fight, with its controversial nature, may linger as a blemish on her record. Taylor’s skill, heart, and historic achievements are undeniable, but this win will not be remembered as a definitive statement of her superiority over Serrano.
For Amanda Serrano, while the loss is disappointing, it does little to damage her legacy. Serrano has already proven herself as one of the best fighters in the world, and her performance in this fight reaffirmed her status as an elite competitor. Her determination and ability to challenge one of the best in the sport will only add to her reputation.