Taylor: ‘I’m 2-0 against Serrano, and I’m very, very happy’

In the co-main event of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, which stole the show, Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano by a razor-close, controversial unanimous decision to retain her lightweight titles(WBC/WBA) at AT&T Stadium on Friday night in a rematch of their epic fight in 2022 at Madison Square Garden, which Taylor won by a controversial split decision.

On Friday night, all three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Taylor.

Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) started fast in this one and seemed to be in control throughout, but a clash of heads caused a cut over Serrano’s right eye in the fourth round. Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) took advantage of that cut, which impacted Serrano.

It was a back-and-forth affair, but according to Compubox, the 36-year-old Serrano appeared to get the better of the action. She outlanded Taylor 324 to 217. In addition, Taylor lost a point for headbutting in Round 8.

“I knew it if went to the judges it was going to be a little shady,” Serrano said after the loss. “I chose to be great. I went up three divisions. It is what it is.”

Taylor, 38, believes the right person won.

“I knew they obviously complaining about the decision, but I really don’t care” Taylor said. “I’m standing here as a victor again. I fought her twice; I beat her twice. All the judges were in agreement, so I really couldn’t care less what’s being said about the fight. I’m standing here again, I’m 2-0 against Serrano and I’m very, very happy.”

After the win, Team Serrano complained about the headbutts, but Taylor says it wasn’t done on purpose.

“It just happens sometimes when you’re fighting against a cell pole, especially the fires coming close and it just happens,” Taylor said. “I was completely accidental. I mean, they’re calling me a dirty fighter or whatever, but that wasn’t purposely done. Obviously, I am in there fighting like years and it’s a rough sport and sometimes you get head clashes. You have to fight through those things.” 

Both fights between these two warriors were great, so it makes sense for them to do it again. Women’s Boxing was celebrated on Friday night, no matter who won, which is great for the sport.