In a highly anticipated third chapter of their storied rivalry, Katie Taylor once again emerged victorious over Amanda Serrano, securing a majority decision win at a charged Madison Square Garden in New York. The undisputed super lightweight title was on the line, adding another layer of significance to a contest that pitted two modern greats against each other for the third time.
The atmosphere inside the iconic arena was nothing short of electric. Fans generated a deafening roar that seemed to vibrate through the venue, underscoring the magnitude of the event. The energy was palpable from the moment the fighters made their way to the ring, setting a dramatic stage for the main event.
Unlike their previous high-octane clashes that often exploded from the first bell, this third encounter began with a more cautious, tactical approach. The initial rounds saw both fighters using their jabs to find range, probing for openings rather than immediately engaging in exchanges. This measured start highlighted the strategic adjustments likely made by both camps after two previous meetings.
As the fight settled, Serrano attempted to impose her usual forward pressure, seeking to cut off the ring and corner the champion. However, Taylor displayed masterful movement, consistently using her footwork to evade pressure and create angles. She proved highly effective at countering Serrano as the challenger stepped in, landing sharp jabs, straight rights, and timely hooks.
The middle rounds saw the contest develop into a fascinating, razor-close tactical battle. Neither fighter was able to establish clear dominance for extended periods, leading to rounds that were difficult to score, a point even noted by ringside observers. While Taylor sustained a small cut, a minor battle scar, her focus remained on her boxing technique – controlling distance and landing clean shots from range.
Entering the championship rounds, the outcome remained genuinely uncertain, with the scorecards seemingly tight. This pivotal juncture demanded everything from both athletes. Taylor, demonstrating her championship pedigree, appeared to find another gear in the later rounds, particularly the ninth and tenth. She continued to move expertly, denying Serrano opportunities to land consistently, while landing her own combinations and impactful left hooks at the end of exchanges. Her ability to maintain distance and box effectively down the stretch proved crucial.
After ten competitive rounds, the judges rendered their verdicts:
Katie Taylor defeats Amanda Serrano via Majority Decision (Scores: 97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Post-Fight Reactions
The decision was met with an eruption of noise, with the majority of the crowd clearly supporting Taylor. In her post-fight interview, Taylor was gracious in victory, acknowledging Serrano and the unique history they`ve made together through three fights. She reflected that she felt she had boxed well, though readily admitted that facing Serrano was “always hard.”
In a moment delivered with a mix of candor and perhaps a touch of technical respect filtered through the lens of ten hard rounds, Taylor commented on the possibility of a fourth fight by saying, “She punches too hard,” prompting knowing reactions from the crowd.
Amanda Serrano, visibly emotional and disappointed, shared her perspective, explaining she had attempted a different strategy by trying to maintain distance, as fighting “inside” had not yielded victory in their previous meetings. Despite her personal disappointment, she thanked the crowd for their support of women`s boxing, a testament to the impact these two athletes have had on the sport.
The trilogy concludes with Katie Taylor holding a decisive 3-0 record against her fiercest rival. While this third bout was a more cerebral contest than their second, it showcased the enduring skill, tactical adjustments, and championship resolve of both competitors, further solidifying their status as pioneers and titans of women`s boxing.
Marcus Blakely