In a night that will go down as one of the most significant in women’s boxing history, Ireland’s Katie Taylor sealed her dominance over Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano with a majority decision victory at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. The win marks Taylor’s third triumph over Serrano, completing a gripping trilogy between two of the sport’s all-time greats.
While their previous encounters were full-on firefights, this latest bout had more of a chess-match feel—tactical, intense, and thoroughly captivating. The judges’ scorecards read 97-93, 97-93, and 95-95, handing Taylor a deserved victory and allowing her to retain her status as the undisputed light-welterweight champion.
A Night of Firsts and Finales
This wasn’t just another boxing match—it was history. For the first time ever, Madison Square Garden hosted an all-female card, a testament to the strides women’s boxing has made. And who better to headline it than Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano?
“We have made history three times,” Taylor said after the fight, her voice full of pride and gratitude. “I thought I boxed smart tonight. Amanda wasn’t catching much, and I finished strong.”
The 39-year-old Irish star delivered a vintage performance, showcasing clever footwork, lightning-quick flurries, and ring IQ that has kept her at the top for years. While Serrano had her moments—particularly in rounds six and eight—she couldn’t maintain the pressure, allowing Taylor to take control down the stretch.
Serrano’s Strategy Falls Short
Unlike their bruising first two battles, Serrano came into this one with a more measured approach. “I tried something different,” she admitted. “It was all about working smarter, not harder. But it just wasn’t enough.”
At 36, Serrano was still dangerous, still aggressive, but Taylor’s counters were sharp, and her timing spot-on. Even when pressed into corners, she responded with crisp combinations that reminded fans why she’s considered one of the greatest female boxers of all time.
What’s Next for Taylor?
Now 3-0 up in one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, Taylor’s future inside the ring remains uncertain. Talk of a third bout with Chantelle Cameron—who handed Taylor her first professional loss in 2023 before Taylor won the rematch—is already bubbling.
But Taylor didn’t seem too enthusiastic. “Chantelle has to see if she can sell out an arena first,” she quipped. “I think I’ve made her more money than she really deserves.”
There’s also the dream of fighting at Croke Park in Dublin, a lifelong ambition for the Irish icon. However, due to limitations on non-GAA events and high logistical costs, the earliest that could happen is 2026—by which time Taylor would be 40.
“I don’t know,” she said when asked about retirement. “It’s not like I have anything left to prove. I’ll take some time and make a decision in a few weeks.”
How the Fight Unfolded
Returning to the scene of their legendary first encounter in 2022, both fighters entered the ring with everything on the line and a point to prove. Round one was cautious—both fighters flicked out jabs but held back from full engagement. But by round three, Taylor let her hands go, landing clean combinations and winning the early exchanges.
Serrano started to find her rhythm in the middle rounds, pushing the pace and trying to land power shots. Yet Taylor’s counters were more effective, her movement sharper. A brief clash of heads and a late shot at the end of round six shook Taylor momentarily, but she quickly regained composure.
In the final rounds, Serrano pushed hard—walking forward, throwing volume—but Taylor’s precision and counters stood out. By the time the final bell rang, it felt clear: this was Katie Taylor’s night once again.
A Legacy Sealed
In a rivalry that has elevated women’s boxing and inspired a new generation of fighters, Katie Taylor has come out on top. Whether this was her last dance or just another chapter, she’s already cemented her status as one of the greatest to ever step into the ring.
As fans cheered and the lights dimmed at Madison Square Garden, one thing was clear: Katie Taylor didn’t just win a fight—she won the moment, the trilogy, and the legacy.
