The historic setting of Madison Square Garden in New York once again played host to the latest chapter in a rivalry that has captivated the boxing world. Undisputed super-lightweight champion Katie Taylor stepped into the ring for a third time against her formidable challenger, Amanda Serrano. The result? Another victory for the Irish sensation, this time via a 10-round majority decision, firmly establishing her supremacy in their compelling trilogy.
While their previous encounters were often described as relentless wars fought in a phone booth, this third bout presented a more nuanced tactical battle. Both fighters approached the opening rounds with a degree of caution, a notable contrast to the immediate fireworks seen previously. Taylor, now 25-1 with 6 knockouts, utilized her signature lateral movement, working from the outside and employing a disciplined jab.
Serrano, whose record stands at 47-4-1 with 31 knockouts, pressed forward with her southpaw stance, sharp jab, and bursts of eye-catching flurries. Rounds unfolded with neither fighter able to decisively dominate, leading to tightly contested exchanges that left spectators and corners alike pondering the scoring. Indeed, the closeness was reflected in the judges` cards. While two officials scored the bout 97-93 in favor of Taylor, a third judge saw the fight as a 95-95 draw. The two identical scores for Taylor resulted in the majority decision win.
The strategic shift from both combatants was evident. Taylor`s corner encouraged her measured approach, believing the pace was favorable, while Serrano`s team urged urgency, suggesting she was ahead in the paper-thin rounds. In the end, Taylor`s polished attacks, effective use of her jab, and tight defense in the crucial final rounds proved just enough to sway the scoring in her favor.
For Amanda Serrano, the outcome was a clear disappointment, leaving her to process the reality of falling to 0-3 against her career-defining rival. Post-fight, she acknowledged trying a different strategy, aiming to “work smarter, not harder.”
Katie Taylor, celebrating her retention of the undisputed crown and the sealing of the trilogy, confirmed her own tactical approach. “I was obviously planning to come in here and fight disciplined and smart,” she stated, expressing satisfaction at executing her game plan. In a candid moment that perhaps blended relief with respect, Taylor also addressed the prospect of a future fourth fight:
“I just don`t want to fight Amanda Serrano again – she punches too hard.”
A frank admission from a champion who has now faced the power of Serrano three times and emerged victorious each time. While Serrano remains a top force, Taylor`s statement appears to draw a line under this specific, high-stakes saga, leaving her free to explore other challenges, having definitively settled the score against her fiercest foe.
Tristan Blackwood