
Was Amanda Serrano robbed vs. Katie Taylor? Sports world reacts to controversial scoring in epic sequel

The debate over whether Amanda Serrano was robbed in her first fight with Katie Taylor on April 30, 2022, remains one of the most contentious topics in women’s boxing. The fight, which took place at Madison Square Garden, ended in a split decision victory for Katie Taylor, but the outcome was met with widespread controversy. Many fans, analysts, and even other fighters believed that Serrano had done enough to win, particularly after dominating parts of the fight with her aggression, power, and strong middle rounds.
While the first fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano was a classic, with both women putting on an incredible display of skill, heart, and determination, the scoring of the bout raised questions. Some felt that Serrano was unfairly penalized by the judges, while others believed that Taylor had done just enough to edge out a victory.
The Controversial Scoring
The fight went the distance over 10 rounds, and the judges scored it as follows:
- 96-94 for Taylor (twice)
- 96-94 for Serrano (once)
Many fans and analysts believed that Serrano had done enough, especially given her dominant rounds in the middle of the fight, when she seemed to hurt Taylor and control much of the action. Taylor also had her moments, particularly in the latter rounds, but the debate centers around whether Serrano’s work throughout the fight was undervalued.
Key Points of Controversy
- Serrano’s Power and Aggression: One of the major reasons fans felt that Serrano had done enough to win was her power and aggressiveness in the early and middle rounds. Serrano consistently pressed the action and landed clean shots, especially in rounds 5 and 6, which appeared to swing momentum in her favor.
- Taylor’s Defensive and Counterpunching Skills: While Taylor showed excellent footwork, speed, and ability to avoid taking too much damage, her punches were often less damaging than Serrano’s. While Taylor’s boxing IQ and technical abilities kept her in the fight, some felt that her defensive skills were rewarded more than they should have been, given that Serrano was landing the harder shots.
- Damage and Visual Impact: In many cases, damage to the face of the fighters can affect how judges score the fight. Serrano’s ability to land heavy punches that visibly affected Taylor, particularly around the eyes, raised concerns for fans who felt Taylor did not sustain the same level of damage. Serrano’s aggression and the visible effects on Taylor’s face should have weighed heavily in the judges’ minds, according to many analysts.
- The Close Nature of the Fight: Ultimately, the fight was extremely close, and some might argue that a decision could go either way depending on what the judges prioritized—whether they valued aggressive offense (Serrano) or technical defense (Taylor). This subjective aspect of boxing scoring led to heated reactions from fans who disagreed with the outcome.
Sports World Reacts: Was Serrano Robbed?
The reaction to the scoring was immediate and mixed, with many in the sports world voicing their opinions:
- Boxing Analysts and Experts: Many boxing experts weighed in, with some arguing that Serrano had done enough to earn the win, especially in the middle rounds when Taylor was clearly under pressure. Veteran analysts such as Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach and former world champions were among those who felt that Serrano had been unjustly denied the victory.
- Fellow Fighters’ Reactions: Fellow fighters like Gervonta Davis, Claressa Shields, and Devin Haney were vocal in their support for Serrano. Many believed that Serrano had done enough to secure a win, and they voiced their disappointment with the judges’ decision, calling it a “robbery” or an unfortunate outcome for a fighter who had given it her all.
- Fan Reactions: On social media, fans were divided, with some feeling Taylor had earned her victory through her ring IQ and composure, especially in the final rounds. However, many Serrano supporters expressed their frustration, with one of the most common reactions being that Serrano deserved the win based on the quality of her punches and the impact they had on Taylor throughout the fight.
Katie Taylor’s Perspective
After the fight, Katie Taylor showed respect and admiration for Serrano, acknowledging the toughness and skill of her opponent. Taylor said she felt the fight was close and was relieved to have won, but she also expressed respect for Serrano’s performance, indicating that she was prepared for a rematch to settle things once and for all.
Taylor’s performance was remarkable, but there was an understanding that a second fight could clear up any questions about the outcome of their first battle.
Amanda Serrano’s Reaction
Serrano, visibly disappointed, expressed a desire for a rematch. She felt she had done enough to win and was frustrated that the judges didn’t see it the same way. Serrano’s camp felt that the judges had leaned too heavily on Taylor’s defensive strategy, rather than recognizing the impact of her own offensive work.
Serrano’s trainer, Jordan Maldonado, was also outspoken, stating that he believed his fighter had won at least 8 of the 10 rounds and that they had been “robbed” by the judges. This further fueled the narrative of a controversial decision.
What Does This Mean for a Rematch?
The controversial decision and the public outcry over the scoring have only increased demand for a Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 rematch. Both fighters have expressed a desire to face off again, and given the history and the controversy, a second fight would likely draw even more attention than the first one.
Conclusion: Was Serrano Robbed?
While the word “robbed” is subjective and often used in the heat of the moment by fans and fighters alike, there is a strong argument that Amanda Serrano did enough to win the first fight. Her power, aggression, and ability to land clean shots made a significant impact throughout the bout. However, boxing scoring can be highly subjective, and Taylor’s defense and ring IQ were rewarded by the judges in a tight contest.
Ultimately, whether Serrano was “robbed” or not is up for debate, but what is clear is that the controversial decision has left fans hungry for a rematch that could finally provide a definitive winner and settle the score once and for all.
The stage is set for what could be an even bigger spectacle if these two greats meet again in the future!