The iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City once again played host to a chapter in one of boxing`s most significant modern rivalries. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano stepped into the ring for the third time, competing for the undisputed super lightweight championship. This encounter followed two prior meetings where Taylor emerged victorious, setting the stage for a high-stakes trilogy bout with history on the line for both competitors.
The Build-Up: Records and Rivalry
Entering the contest, Ireland`s Katie Taylor held a professional record of 24 wins and 1 loss. Her two previous victories over Serrano, first by split decision in a closely contested 2022 fight and then by unanimous decision in a 2024 rematch, underscored the competitive parity between the two elite athletes. Amanda Serrano, a seven-division world champion from Puerto Rico, brought a record of 47 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, including five consecutive victories bridging her two losses to Taylor. The history between them, combined with the undisputed title at stake, generated an electric atmosphere even before the opening bell.
The Tactical Battle Unfolds
Unlike their previous, often explosive, encounters, the opening round of the third fight presented a study in caution. Both fighters, perhaps wary of the other`s power and strategic adjustments, circled and probed with tentative jabs, landing very few punches. This measured start quickly evolved into a tactical chess match. Serrano, fighting from a southpaw stance, attempted to assert pressure and cut off the ring, seeking to leverage her power, particularly with her left hand.
Taylor, in response, utilized her superior movement and technical boxing. She adeptly controlled the distance, often meeting Serrano`s advances with sharp counters and well-timed combinations before moving out of range. As the rounds progressed, the fight remained incredibly tight. Judges and ringside observers alike found scoring challenging, with rounds often coming down to subtle differences in effective aggression, ring generalship, and clean punching. Stats reflected this parity, showing nearly identical punch totals landed for significant portions of the fight.
The tension in the arena was palpable, a testament to the stakes and the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Serrano landed solid hooks and jabs when she could close the distance, while Taylor consistently scored with straight rights and check hooks as Serrano pressed forward. Taylor sustained a small cut under her right eye, but it did not appear to significantly impact her performance.
The Decisive Rounds
Heading into the championship rounds, the fight remained incredibly close, with many scores potentially level. Both fighters recognized the urgency and needed to leave an undeniable impression. Serrano maintained her forward pressure, but Taylor`s defense and counter-boxing seemed to reach a new level. In the later rounds, particularly the tenth, Taylor demonstrated exceptional ring control. She fought intelligently at range, snapping out jabs and timing straight punches. Crucially, she began landing a crisp left hook at the end of combinations and effectively pivoted away from Serrano`s attacks, preventing her from getting inside and unleashing power shots.
Taylor`s masterful performance in the final round, boxing effectively and limiting Serrano`s offense, appeared to seal the decision in her favor after a fiercely contested battle.
Official Result and Post-Fight Reflections
Following the final bell, the judges` scores were announced, resulting in a majority decision victory for Katie Taylor. The scores were 97-93, 97-93, and 95-95. The arena erupted, particularly with vocal support for the Irish champion.
In her post-fight interview, Taylor expressed gratitude to the crowd and to Serrano, acknowledging the historic nature of their three encounters. She commented that she felt she had boxed well and was confident, but admitted that fighting Serrano was “always hard.” Perhaps with a touch of well-earned relief and humor, Taylor stated she did not wish to fight Serrano a fourth time, citing that Serrano “punches too hard.”
Amanda Serrano, visibly emotional and disappointed, spoke afterward, explaining that she had attempted a different strategy by trying to maintain distance, feeling that going “toe-to-toe” had not worked in the previous fights. She mentioned that her team believed she had won the fight and that she would need to review it. Despite the outcome, she took a moment to commend the crowd for their support of women`s boxing, highlighting the significance of the event for the sport`s progress.
The third meeting between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano delivered a compelling, high-level boxing match that underscored the skill and determination of both athletes. While the earlier fights were celebrated for their raw action, the third showcased a more strategic and nuanced contest, ultimately confirming Katie Taylor`s status as the undisputed champion and cementing this trilogy as a landmark series in boxing history.
