- Judges’ Scores Spark Outrage in Another Epic Battle
- Taylor Secures 2-0 Record Against Serrano Amid Head-Butting Allegations
The highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano delivered another brutal and captivating contest, but the aftermath was once again steeped in controversy.
On Friday night at the AT&T Stadium, Taylor retained her unanimous super lightweight championship with a razor-thin unanimous decision over Serrano. All three judges scored the fight 95-94 in favor of the Irish champion, drawing loud boos from the Dallas crowd.
The fight, reminiscent of their first meeting at Madison Square Garden in 2022, saw Taylor clinch her second victory over Serrano, maintaining her status as the undisputed champion in both the lightweight and super lightweight divisions.
The Fight: Grit, Cuts, and Close Calls
The bout started at a measured pace, but tensions boiled over in the sixth round when Serrano sustained a deep cut over her left eye, seemingly from a head-butt by Taylor. The referee penalized Taylor a point for the infraction, and Serrano fought through the injury with relentless determination.
“I think 100% it was intentional,” Serrano said after the fight, pointing out that this was her second cut in a fight against Taylor, both allegedly caused by head-butts. Serrano’s trainer, Jordan Maldonado, echoed her claims, calling for a “fair referee” in any potential trilogy.
Despite the injury, Serrano dominated stretches of the bout and landed 107 more punches (324 to Taylor’s 217), as shown in post-fight stats she shared on social media. “I landed more punches, she got a point deducted, and I lost 95-94. Make it make sense,” Serrano wrote on X, expressing her frustration.
Taylor, however, dismissed the allegations of foul play. “I don’t care what’s being said,” the 2012 Olympic gold medalist stated confidently. “I’m 2-0 against Serrano.”
History and Legacy
The victory marks the third consecutive win for the 38-year-old Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) since her only professional loss. Meanwhile, Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs), a seven-division world champion, continues to prove her resilience, fighting valiantly despite significant setbacks.
Their first bout in New York was a watershed moment for women’s boxing, and Friday’s battle further solidified their rivalry as one of the sport’s greatest.
What’s Next?
While the possibility of a trilogy fight looms, it’s clear both fighters have unfinished business. Serrano’s camp demands clearer officiating, while Taylor continues to defend her legacy as one of boxing’s most decorated athletes.
With emotions running high and fans clamoring for another showdown, Taylor vs. Serrano III could very well be on the horizon—this time, perhaps, with even more at stake.
