Katie Taylor continues to hold the undisputed super lightweight championship of the world after narrowly defeating Amanda Serrano in another thrilling but gruesome battle between these two evenly matched and exceptional fighters. The 95-94 victory on all three scorecards was not without its controversies, as Serrano suffered a severe cut over her right eye due to an accidental headbutt in the sixth round. Taylor was warned twice for excessive use of her head and had a point deducted in the eighth round. Serrano, known for her bravery, fiery determination, and resilience, would have been a deserving winner, but Taylor demonstrated remarkable willpower and skill to ultimately triumph. The champion's in-fighting was the best of her career, even though her victory was met with loud boos from the American crowd.
In the main support bout to the manufactured headline contest between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, the rematch between Serrano and Taylor was by far the most significant fight of a surreal night. They had previously waged an epic battle in April 2022, one of the best fights ever held at Madison Square Garden, and the odds of them producing another classic seemed high. Serrano is 36, and Taylor 38, both nearing the end of their illustrious careers. Yet, they once again displayed unforgettable desire and tenacity.
Serrano entered the ring flanked by the cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys, wearing a bullet-proof vest to symbolize her readiness for war. Taylor walked slowly and intently to the ring, as if absorbing the significance of these moments. Their early caution soon gave way to testing exchanges. Near the end of the opening round, Serrano landed a heavy left hand that momentarily stunned Taylor. Serrano maintained a steady rhythm of punching, but Taylor found her footing in the third round, boxing fluidly and facing down Serrano's relentless pressure. In the fourth round, Taylor's head movement opened a cut over Serrano's right eye, and a worse clash of heads in the next round caused blood to pour from the widening gash. Serrano was allowed to continue despite the severe cut.
Just before the end of round eight, Taylor was warned again for excessive use of her head and had a point deducted. The extent of the damage to Serrano's eye was revealed on the big screen during the break, leading to a barrage of boos from the crowd. Serrano edged the ninth round, but the final round was a brutal slugfest, with both fighters giving everything in a desperate bid for victory. The crowd's approval reached a crescendo as the punches flew in blurring exchanges. Serrano landed stinging combinations, but Taylor kept coming back, narrowly winning the decisive round.
The scorecards were read out amid intense tension, and a draw would have been the least both fighters deserved. Serrano has won world titles in seven different weight categories, a staggering achievement and a reflection of the limited talent pool in women's boxing. She moved up in weight to challenge Taylor, who has done more for women's boxing than anyone else. Both are remarkable, but the decision went to Taylor, whose longevity and unquenchable desire to continue boxing is matched only by Serrano. Taylor and Serrano are both legends of the ring and will likely complete their riveting trilogy next year.
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