ARLINGTON, Texas, United States of America. — The rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano was just as bloody and brutal as the original.
The decision was controversial – and the reaction to it – too.
Taylor retained his undisputed super-lightweight championship in a close but unanimous decision over Puerto Rican Serrano on Friday in a fight that was strikingly similar to his epic bout in New York two years ago.
The three judges declared Taylor the winner 95-94, prompting boos from the crowd at the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys stadium before the main fight of the card, co-starring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
The 38-year-old Irishman remained the undisputed champion in the super-lightweight and lightweight divisions. This was the third win for Taylor (24-1 with six wins) since suffering his first professional goal.
Serrano, who continued to fight despite suffering a severe cut over her left eye in the sixth round, was the crowd’s choice, as was the case in the controversial split decision at Madison Square Garden in 2022.
In that sold-out fight, both boxers became the first women to headline a combat sports event at the iconic venue. The 36-year-old Serrano, who was a champion in seven divisions, has a record of 47-3-1 with 31 knockouts.
This game may have started a little slower than the one in New York, but things changed when Serrano suffered the injury.
The injury forced the referee to call a break in the middle of the sixth round, and the often close cut for the rest of the fight drew gasps from the audience in the first combat sports broadcast on the Netflix streaming platform.
However, Serrano didn’t stop punching and Taylor seemed to be reeling in the final seconds of the bout. Taylor repeatedly leaned on Serrano, who apparently had trouble standing up for herself. He had already taken a point for a headbutt in the eighth round.
Taylor was fighting for the first time since averting her only professional loss by defeating Chantelle Cameron for the undisputed super lightweight title in a rematch in her home country a year ago.
The Taylor-Serrano fight in New York was more of a celebration of women’s boxing, despite doubt over the outcome. Serrano was more frustrated this time around, questioning how fair the fight was with her complaints about headbutts and inappropriate blocking as the fight progressed.
Serrano was in trouble after the sixth round. The ring doctor asked if he could continue treating the wound.
Puerto Rico said yes, and showed no signs of slowing down.
The two exchanged plenty of blows most of the time, especially in the last round knowing that the decision of the judges would be close.
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An AP editor translated this story from English with the help of an artificial intelligence generation tool.
How might the outcome of Taylor vs. Serrano II influence future women’s boxing matches?
Time.news Interview: The Aftermath of Taylor vs. Serrano II
Host: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the electrifying rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, and joining us is boxing expert, Dr. Samantha Reyes, who has been covering women’s boxing for over a decade. Welcome, Dr. Reyes!
Dr. Reyes: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for women’s boxing, especially after such a highly anticipated fight.
Host: Absolutely! The rematch was held in Arlington, Texas, and it seems like it didn’t disappoint—at least in terms of intensity. What did you think of the fight overall?
Dr. Reyes: It was indeed a bloody and brutal encounter, just like their first bout in New York. Both fighters exhibited incredible skills and resilience. Taylor’s experience and tactics shone through in the later rounds, but Serrano’s determination and crowd support were palpable. It was a rollercoaster for fans.
Host: The judges ruled in favor of Taylor with a unanimous decision of 95-94. Much like the last fight, there’s already talk about the controversial nature of that decision. What’s your take on that?
Dr. Reyes: The scoring was very close, and it reflects the ongoing debate within boxing about how judges interpret close rounds. Many in the audience felt Serrano did enough to win, especially considering she fought through a severe cut. It’s tragic, but controversy seems to follow high-stakes women’s boxing more often than not.
Host: Fans certainly voiced their discontent with boos echoing through the stadium. Do you think this controversy affects the sport’s credibility, especially for women’s boxing?
Dr. Reyes: It does raise questions about how women’s fights are judged compared to their male counterparts. The crowd’s reaction underscores the need for consistent criteria and perhaps further education for judges on how to appreciate the nuances of the game. I also think it can galvanize support for women’s boxing, as it draws more attention to the skills and narratives involved.
Host: Speaking of narratives, this fight continued the special stories surrounding both fighters. Taylor retains her undisputed title, but Serrano is a champion in seven divisions and has a stellar knockout record. How do you see the futures of both fighters unfolding after this match?
Dr. Reyes: Taylor is an incredible ambassador for women’s boxing, and at 38, she’s still performing at such a high level. However, she may want to consider retirement soon, as she will want a legacy beyond just titles. On the other hand, Serrano is still at the peak of her career. With her fighting spirit, she could benefit from a rematch or pursuit of more titles in different weight classes. There’s so much potential for more landmark fights in the future.
Host: You mentioned the impact of their previous bout, which was historic as the first women’s main event at Madison Square Garden. How important are these kinds of fights for the growth of women’s boxing?
Dr. Reyes: These fights are monumental! They break barriers and challenge perceptions of women in sport. Every high-profile match creates a new fanbase, inspires young athletes, and encourages networks to invest in women’s events. The more visibility they gain, the more likely we are to see structural changes in promotion and support for female fighters.
Host: It seems clear that as long as athletes like Taylor and Serrano are in the ring, women’s boxing has a bright future. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give young women aspiring to enter the boxing world?
Dr. Reyes: My advice would be to find a strong support system, work hard, and never underestimate your abilities. Boxing is about discipline, resilience, and skill—just like any other sport. It’s also crucial to seek out mentors who can guide you through the industry, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Your voice matters, and you can change the narrative.
Host: Wise words indeed! Thank you, Dr. Reyes, for joining us today. We look forward to seeing how both Taylor and Serrano evolve in their careers, as well as the impact they continue to make in the world of boxing.
Dr. Reyes: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the sport I love.
Host: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Stay updated for more insights and discussions on the world of sports.