Already established as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, Katie Taylor added to her legacy once again but not without controversy. The Irish fighter was awarded a controversial 10-round unanimous decision over Amanda Serrano and retained her undisputed super lightweight championship. All three judges scored the rematch 95-94.
Taylor (24-1) was rocked at the end of round one and seemed to be struggling with her opponent’s power in the early rounds. However, she showed serious heart to come through the rough patches, and Serrano’s performance was hindered in the second half by a grotesque eye cut caused by a clash of heads. The ensuing action was sensational.
“It’s hard to score and fight the fight. I knew it was an absolute war in there,” said Taylor during her post-fight interview as the crowd continued to boo the decision. “Congratulations to Amanda, she’s a fantastic champion.
“We’ve agreed to 12 three-minute rounds in the next fight, so the triple is on. She’s a hard puncher and a tough warrior, so I was prepared for that. I don’t care what the commentary team or the crowd say, all that matters is the judges around the ring.”
A true warrior, fighter, and trailblazer of the sport. We are always proud of you @serranosisters and the heart you show. A TRUE CHAMPION @Serranosisters pic.twitter.com/LRKOpdoYTo
— Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) November 16, 2024
With Serrano being a southpaw, both women jostled for position in the opening round. However, Serrano was the first to score heavily when she rocked the champion with a powerful overhand left that had Taylor woozy at the bell.
There was a noticeable difference in punching power, which many expected. Taylor’s shots were nuisance value by comparison, but they came in bunches and kept her in the hunt. Early on, however, it was difficult to score rounds for the Irish fight because she was nailed by the more effective punches.
A turning point occurred in round four when Serrano was cut over the right eye by a clash of heads. It was bad enough, but a second clash opened the wound up by at least half an inch. The doctor inspected the damage and allowed the action to continue.
Serrano’s performance and accuracy dipped, allowing Taylor to take advantage on the counter. Rounds six and seven were big for the Irish fighter although a point deduction for another clash of heads in the eighth looked costly.
The action in rounds nine and ten was out of this world and it looked like Serrano had done enough to avenge her defeat to Taylor in 2022 and lift a second undisputed championship. Alas, it was not to be.
Despite being at the tail end of her career, Taylor continues to enjoy huge triumphs. In May of last year, the 36-year-old sharpshooter scored a revenge win over Chantelle Cameron to become a double undisputed champion, and this second victory over Serrano is huge for her.
“This is an amazing moment again for women’s boxing,” said Taylor. “Once again, we put on a great show.”
A pioneer and a wonderful ambassador for the game, Serrano (47-3-1) has done more than she could have imagined in boxing. A seven-weight world champion, there’s nothing more to prove, but “The Real Deal” loves the sport and you can bet that she’ll return to action in 2025.
“I knew if it went to the judges it would be a little shady, but I chose to be great – I went up three divisions [for this fight],” said Serrano, who still reigns as unified featherweight champ. “I fight the best and it is what it is.
“Every time you get a headbutt, it hurts, and blood gets in your eye. We knew from the first fight that she does this. It’s not just with me, she did it with Chantelle Cameron. But I’m a Boricua… I’d die in this ring no matter what. No matter how many cuts I have on my face, I’ll fight to the end.”
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight card
- Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson; Heavyweights
- Katie Taylor (c) def. Amanda Serrano (95-94, 95-94, 95-94) for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring super lightweight titles
- Mario Barrios (c) split draw Abel Ramos (116-110, 114-112, 113-113) for the WBC welterweight title
- Neeraj Goyat def. Whindersson Nunes via UD 6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55); Super middleweight
- Shadasia Green def. Melinda Watpool via SD 10 (97-93, 96-94, 94-96) for the WBO super middleweight title
- Lucas Bahdi def. Armando Casamonica via MD 10 (98-92, 96-93, 95-95); Lightweights
- Bruce Carrington def. Dana Coolwell via UD 8 (80-70, 80-70, 80-70); Featherweights
