Madison Square Garden, a venue steeped in boxing folklore, recently played host to another pivotal chapter in the sport`s history: the third professional encounter between undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor and challenger Amanda Serrano. Billed as the rubber match in their already legendary rivalry, this fight delivered a tense, strategic battle before Katie Taylor was declared the winner by majority decision.
This third meeting followed two previous high-stakes contests. Taylor had emerged victorious in both prior outings, first via a close split decision in April 2022 and then a unanimous decision in November 2024. Amanda Serrano, a formidable multi-division champion herself, entered the ring having secured five consecutive wins since her last encounter with Taylor, determined to reverse her fortunes and claim undisputed status.
The Atmosphere and the Fight
The energy inside Madison Square Garden was palpable, a deafening roar accompanying both fighters to the ring. Unlike their previous high-octane clashes that started with immediate fireworks, this third installment began with an unexpected degree of caution. Both elite athletes spent the initial rounds probing with jabs, testing distance, and appearing reluctant to commit fully. It was a technical, almost chess-like opening, a stark contrast to the all-action brawls fans had come to expect.
As the rounds progressed, the tactical nature of the fight became evident. Serrano, fighting from a southpaw stance, attempted to apply pressure and cut off the ring, seemingly adjusting her approach from their previous fights where fighting in close quarters hadn`t favored her. Taylor, however, showcased exquisite footwork and ring generalship, utilizing the space effectively and consistently landing sharp counter-punches, particularly her jab and straight right hand, as Serrano advanced.
The fight remained incredibly close throughout. Commentators and ringside observers openly admitted difficulty in definitively scoring the rounds, a testament to the finely balanced nature of the contest. While Serrano had moments of aggression and landed solid left hands, Taylor`s ability to land scoring shots while moving, coupled with her disciplined boxing from range, appeared to edge the later rounds.
Taylor, despite sustaining a small cut under her right eye mid-fight, maintained her composure and executed her game plan, landing effective combinations and preventing Serrano from consistently trapping her against the ropes. The championship rounds saw both fighters dig deep, but Taylor`s precise, well-timed shots and continued movement seemed to solidify her lead on the scorecards.
The Decision and Reactions
After ten rounds of tense strategic exchanges, the outcome was left to the judges. The scores read 97-93, 97-93, and 95-95, resulting in a majority decision victory for Katie Taylor, marking her third win over Serrano and cementing her position as the undisputed super lightweight champion.
The post-fight atmosphere was charged. The crowd, heavily supporting Taylor, erupted in cheers. A gracious Katie Taylor thanked both the fans and Amanda Serrano, acknowledging their collective history in the sport. She commented on feeling confident in her boxing performance during the fight but admitted that facing Serrano was “always hard” due to her opponent`s formidable power. Taylor was notably hesitant to discuss retirement but stated unequivocally that she did not wish to fight Serrano a fourth time, citing the difficulty and Serrano`s punching strength.
Amanda Serrano, visibly emotional and upset, spoke about her strategic adjustments, explaining she attempted to box from a distance after finding close-range exchanges unfavorable in previous bouts. She expressed disappointment, mentioning her team believed she had won, but she promised to review the fight. Despite her personal outcome, Serrano made a point to thank the crowd for their passionate support of women`s boxing, highlighting the significance of the event.
The third meeting between Taylor and Serrano, while perhaps less of a toe-to-toe slugfest than some anticipated, was a masterclass in high-stakes boxing strategy and skill. Taylor`s victory by majority decision solidifies her dominance in this historic trilogy, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of women`s professional boxing.
