Taylor Triumphs Over Serrano Again: Title Defense Secured in Thrilling Rematch!

In a thrilling conclusion at Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor faced off against Amanda Serrano for the third time, winning by majority decision. This fight, which was part of a historic all-women’s card, showcased a crowd of 19,721 fans. However, it was a more cautious match compared to their previous encounters.

Unlike their earlier bouts, where blow-by-blow action stole the spotlight, this fight was strategic. Taylor won with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 95-95, relying on calculated hits and movement rather than an all-out brawl. “I wanted to fight disciplined this time,” said Taylor. She executed her game plan well, using her footwork to keep Serrano at bay.

Both fighters landed around 70 punches each, a stark contrast to their first two fights. For example, Taylor previously recorded 364 punches across both bouts. This change in strategy was not lost on Serrano, who noted, “We tried something different. It was about working smarter.” Her plan to maintain distance didn’t yield the expected results, highlighting the challenges both fighters faced in adapting tactics.

Their rivalry dates back to April 30, 2022, when they first met at the same venue. That fight attracted 1.5 million viewers on Netflix. Their rematch last November became a historic moment in U.S. sports, drawing 74 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched women’s sporting event ever. Clearly, both women have significantly elevated women’s boxing.

Serrano expressed pride in their achievements, saying, “We proved women can fight and sell.” Their matches have not only captivated audiences but have also contributed to the growth of women’s sports. According to a recent study by the Women’s Sports Foundation, interest in women’s sports has risen by 25% in the past five years, illustrating the impact of high-profile events like this one.

As the final chapter of this captivating rivalry closes, Taylor commented on her desire to step away from fighting Serrano again, hinting at a future with different opponents. She said, “I just don’t want to fight Amanda Serrano again. She punches too hard.”

In the co-main event, Alycia Baumgardner retained her title against Jennifer Miranda. Baumgardner won via unanimous decision, showing her readiness to keep competing. She expressed a desire to get back in the ring soon, reflecting the urgency and excitement that successful fighters feel towards their careers.

The Taylor-Serrano trilogy not only highlighted their talents but also pronounced a loud call for respect and recognition in women’s boxing. While their last battle may not have lived up to the excitement of the previous two, it certainly solidified their place in sports history.

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