Katie Taylor retained her undisputed super lightweight title on Friday night, edging out Amanda Serrano in a closely contested bout that marked the conclusion of their thrilling trilogy. Held at Madison Square Garden, the event was historic as it headlined the venue’s first all-women’s boxing card, drawing a sell-out crowd and delivering a memorable finale to one of the most celebrated rivalries in the sport.
The fight was tightly contested, with two of the three judges scoring it in Taylor’s favor, while one ruled it a draw. Taylor, now 39 years old and an Olympic gold medalist, remained composed throughout the bout, walking to the ring with a steely focus that hinted this could be her final appearance in the ring. Despite the high stakes, the early rounds were notably cautious, with the first round seeing only three punches land between both fighters.
The intensity picked up in the third round as Serrano began to press forward aggressively, throwing flurries of punches. However, Taylor’s defensive skills and tactical precision kept her largely out of danger. As the fight progressed, it became a battle of endurance and strategy, with both women showcasing their championship mettle.
Support for Serrano, the pride of Puerto Rico, was loud and passionate, especially from fans in her adopted hometown of New York. She made a grand entrance to the ring flanked by the New York Knicks dancers, while Taylor’s quieter, focused approach served as a stark contrast.
After ten competitive rounds, the two embraced, unsure of the decision but fully aware of the magnitude of what they had accomplished together. Taylor, visibly emotional, praised Serrano as a true warrior and acknowledged the grueling nature of the bout. She admitted needing “a lot of help down the home stretch,” a testament to the relentless pressure Serrano applied.
Their rivalry, which began three years earlier in the same venue, has played a pivotal role in elevating women’s boxing to unprecedented heights. Their first meeting broke new ground, as it was the first time a women’s match had headlined Madison Square Garden. Since then, their encounters have been characterized by elite skill, mutual respect, and unyielding determination.
Taylor’s victory completed a trilogy sweep over Serrano, having won the previous two fights by decision, including a controversial second match where she was docked a point for headbutts. This third chapter, however, felt more definitive, a hard-fought and hard-earned triumph that solidified her legacy in the sport.
The event was also significant beyond the ring. It was broadcast live on a major streaming platform, reflecting the growing integration of live sports into digital entertainment and the rising popularity of women’s boxing worldwide. With both fighters leaving everything in the ring, the night was not only a celebration of rivalry and resilience but a landmark moment for the sport’s future.
