Katie Taylor defeats Amanda Serrano by split decision in instant classic, invites rival to ‘do it again’
- Taylor was nearly stopped in round four, but surged back to win a razor-close split decision in a showcase for women’s boxing
- ‘I knew exactly that I had to dig deep in this fight’ Irishwoman says after razor-close win – ‘she’s a phenomenal fighter.’
Ireland’s Katie Taylor is still the queen of women’s boxing after scraping by Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano on Saturday night.
Taylor and Serrano met inside New York City’s hallowed Madison Square Garden with the Irishwoman’s WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring lightweight titles hanging in the balance. The fight between the two stars, ranked No 1 and 2 on most pound-for-pound lists, was billed as the biggest in the history of women’s boxing.
After a 10-round slugfest that ultimately went to Taylor by split decision, it also stood out as one of the best.
“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is,” Taylor said in the ring after her win. “The biggest fight in female boxing history. It feels great to be in this position.”
It was far from an easy night at the office for Taylor. The 35-year-old absorbed significant punishment throughout the fight, and was on the verge of being stopped by her 33-year-old challenger after eating some big shots in round five.
But in a display of impressive grit, the champion survived that scare to mount an incredible comeback over the remainder of the fight.
“I knew exactly that I had to dig deep in this fight,” she said. “I knew I’d be in the trenches at some stage. [Serrano is] a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person. I knew I was going to be able to come through.”