The iconic lights of Madison Square Garden once again provided the stage for a historic encounter as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano stepped into the ring for their highly anticipated third meeting. Billed as the rubber match in a modern classic trilogy, this bout for the undisputed super lightweight championship promised fireworks, but instead delivered a high-stakes tactical chess match played out in front of an absolutely electric crowd.
From the moment the fighters made their walkouts, the atmosphere inside the arena was nothing short of sensational. A deafening roar accompanied both women, a palpable energy that underscored the magnitude of the event. This was not just a fight; it was a spectacle, a testament to the drawing power and skill of two of boxing`s most dominant female athletes.
Unlike the aggressive starts of their previous encounters, the opening round of this trilogy bout was marked by unusual caution. Both fighters circled, testing range with probing jabs, seeking to gain an early read without committing heavily. This tentative approach quickly settled into a compelling technical duel that would define the subsequent rounds.
A Battle of Styles and Tactics
The fight developed into a fascinating exchange of contrasting approaches. Katie Taylor, utilizing her signature movement and sharp boxing skills, sought to control distance and counter Serrano`s advances. Amanda Serrano, known for her relentless pressure and power, attempted to cut off the ring and impose her strength in the pocket.
Rounds swung back and forth, often difficult to definitively score as moments of precision from Taylor were answered by bursts of aggression or solid connections from Serrano. The commentary booth, like many watching, openly admitted the challenge of scoring the razor-thin rounds. It was a testament to the closely matched skill sets and strategic adjustments being made in real-time by both camps.
Taylor landed effective counter-combinations when Serrano stepped into range, showcasing her timing and accuracy. Serrano, meanwhile, had moments where her jab found its mark and she was able to land looping shots, particularly her left hand, when she managed to close the gap. Despite a small cut opening under Taylor`s right eye later in the fight, she maintained her composure and stuck to her game plan.
The Championship Rounds Decide It
As the fight entered the critical championship rounds, the intensity increased. Both fighters knew the contest was incredibly close and likely hinged on who could impose their will in the final six minutes. Taylor appeared to find another gear, boxing beautifully at range, using her movement to prevent Serrano from cornering her effectively. Her jab was snapping, and she successfully landed straight shots and timely left hooks at the end of combinations.
The final round was a showcase of Taylor`s tactical execution. She dictated the distance, picked her shots, and largely negated Serrano`s attempts to land significant power punches. It was a mature, disciplined performance that seemed to solidify her lead on the scorecards in the eyes of many.
When the final bell sounded, the outcome felt uncertain, reflecting the incredibly competitive nature of the ten rounds. The judges` scores were announced, revealing a majority decision victory for Katie Taylor with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and a single dissenting 95-95 scorecard.
Post-Fight Reflections
The crowd erupted as Taylor was announced the winner, the strong Irish contingent celebrating loudly. In her post-fight interview, Taylor displayed her characteristic grace, thanking the crowd and acknowledging Amanda Serrano, highlighting the historical significance of their three encounters. She stated she felt she had boxed well and was confident in her chances, while admitting that fighting Serrano is “always hard.”
Serrano, visibly emotional, shared her disappointment, stating she felt she had won the fight and that her team believed the same. She explained her tactical decision to try and keep more distance than in previous fights, feeling that “fighting with her” (in close quarters) hadn`t worked before. Despite the outcome, Serrano was gracious, thanking the crowd for their incredible support for women`s boxing.
When asked about her future, Taylor was coy about retirement but offered a candid, perhaps slightly ironic, remark about a potential fourth fight:
“I don’t want to fight Amanda Serrano again, she punches too hard.”
This line, delivered with a smile, underscored the mutual respect and the sheer difficulty each fighter presented to the other across their epic trilogy. The third meeting between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano may have been a technical battle rather than a barnburner, but it was a compelling display of high-level boxing that further cemented their legacies and added another significant chapter to the history of the sport at Madison Square Garden.
