Katie Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight championship in a controversial rematch against Amanda Serrano at AT&T Stadium. The fight ended in a unanimous decision favoring Taylor, with all judges scoring the bout 95-94, sparking widespread debate and dissatisfaction among fans and commentators. Despite the controversy, Taylor's victory marked her continued dominance in women's boxing, while Serrano showcased resilience despite a severe eye injury.
In a highly anticipated rematch, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano faced off for the undisputed lightweight championship at AT&T Stadium. The fight, which was a co-main event on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, ended in a controversial unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the bout 95-94 in favor of Taylor. The decision was met with boos and criticism, as many believed Serrano had done enough to win, especially given her aggressive performance despite a severe cut over her eye sustained during the fight.
Katie Taylor's win against Amanda Serrano was marred by controversy, similar to their first encounter in 2022. The fight was intense and closely contested, with Taylor being deducted a point for a headbutt in the eighth round. Despite this, she was scored the winner by all three judges, which led to significant backlash from the audience and sports commentators. The decision has sparked discussions about the scoring system in boxing and the potential need for a third match between the two fighters to conclusively settle their rivalry.
Despite the loss, Amanda Serrano's performance was notable for her resilience and determination. Suffering from a significant cut over her eye, she continued to press the fight and landed more significant strikes than Taylor. Serrano, a seven-division champion, remains a formidable figure in women's boxing. Her future in the sport is highly anticipated, with possibilities of moving up in weight classes or even a third fight against Taylor to finally resolve their contested rivalry.
The Taylor vs. Serrano rematch not only highlighted the skill and tenacity of both fighters but also brought significant attention to women's boxing. Hosted as a co-main event on a major card, the fight demonstrated the drawing power and marketability of female fighters. The controversial outcome and the intense competition may set the stage for further high-profile women's bouts, potentially increasing support and investment in the sport.
While Katie Taylor's victory solidifies her status as a dominant figure in women's boxing, the controversy surrounding the decision has left many fans and analysts calling for clarity and fairness in the sport's scoring system. Both fighters demonstrated exceptional skill and heart, contributing to the ongoing growth and popularity of women's boxing.
"It’s hard to score and fight the fight. I knew it was an absolute war in there." - Katie Taylor
"I knew if it went to the judges it would be a little shady, but I chose to be great – I went up three divisions." - Amanda Serrano