ARLINGTON, Texas — The much-anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano lived up to its billing as a grueling, bloody battle. However, like their first encounter two years ago, the outcome sparked heated debate. Taylor retained her undisputed super lightweight championship with a razor-thin unanimous decision, scored 95-94 by all three judges, leaving fans and Serrano herself questioning the fairness of the result.
Held at the AT&T Stadium as a walk-up to the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bout, the fight highlighted the tension and stakes in women’s boxing, with Taylor showcasing her resilience and Serrano displaying unrelenting aggression despite significant adversity.
Katie Taylor: A Legacy Reinforced
Katie Taylor, the 38-year-old Irish boxing icon, once again solidified her place among the sport’s greats with the victory. Now boasting a professional record of 24-1 with six knockouts, Taylor holds undisputed titles in both the super lightweight and lightweight divisions.
This fight marked Taylor’s third win since suffering her only career defeat in 2022 against Chantelle Cameron. Notably, Taylor avenged that loss in a rematch in Ireland last year, reclaiming her undisputed super lightweight title.
In Friday’s rematch with Serrano, Taylor showcased her tactical acumen but struggled to maintain control in the later rounds. Penalized in the eighth for head-butting, Taylor leaned heavily on clinches and defensive strategies as Serrano mounted a furious offensive in the final moments. Despite visibly tiring, Taylor’s precision and ability to weather Serrano’s onslaught ultimately swayed the judges in her favor.
Amanda Serrano: The Relentless Warrior
Amanda Serrano, the 36-year-old Puerto Rican boxer based in New York, entered the ring as one of the most decorated fighters in history. With a record of 47-3-1 and an astonishing 31 knockouts, Serrano holds titles in seven weight classes, making her a trailblazer for women in combat sports.
In Friday’s fight, Serrano’s tenacity was on full display. She suffered a severe cut above her left eye in the sixth round after an accidental clash of heads. The injury led to a timeout as the referee assessed her condition, yet Serrano never wavered. Her unrelenting punches and aggressive style earned her the crowd’s favor as she appeared to have Taylor on the ropes in the final seconds of the fight.
Serrano’s frustration with the officiating was evident, as she questioned the referee’s handling of Taylor’s repeated clinches and alleged head-butts. This echoed the controversy from their first meeting at Madison Square Garden in 2022, where Taylor secured a narrow split decision in a historic event that celebrated women’s boxing.
A Fight for the Ages, Again
The rematch began more methodically than their initial bout, with both fighters carefully feeling each other out in the early rounds. The intensity escalated when Serrano’s cut brought a visceral urgency to the fight. Fans, watching on Netflix’s first combat sports telecast, gasped at close-ups of the injury, but Serrano’s resolve never faltered.
By the later rounds, the bout became a slugfest reminiscent of their first encounter, with Serrano pressing forward relentlessly and Taylor countering with precise combinations. However, Taylor’s frequent clinching disrupted the flow, drawing criticism from Serrano’s corner and the crowd.
Controversy and Respect
Despite the boos and Serrano’s visible frustration, both fighters displayed mutual respect. Taylor credited Serrano’s toughness, saying, “She’s one of the best fighters I’ve ever faced. These fights are what boxing is all about.” Serrano, while critical of the officiating, praised Taylor’s skill and determination.
Their rivalry has reignited conversations about fairness in boxing officiating and the growing visibility of women’s boxing on global platforms.
What’s Next?
Katie Taylor now turns her attention to defending her undisputed lightweight title, with potential showdowns against rising stars or rematches with former rivals. Amanda Serrano, meanwhile, remains a dominant force in the sport, her legacy unshaken despite the loss. A trilogy fight between the two could be on the horizon, given the competitive nature and unresolved controversies of their two encounters.
As women’s boxing continues to gain momentum, Taylor and Serrano have proven once again why they are the sport’s standard-bearers, delivering another unforgettable chapter in their storied rivalry.
