Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano have built a unique rivalry over more than 20 rounds, showcasing their bravery and skill before large audiences and elevating both their profiles and women’s boxing overall. Their ongoing saga continues with a third fight on Friday night for Taylor’s undisputed junior welterweight title, held at New York’s historic Madison Square Garden and streamed on Netflix, blending elements of their previous matchups.
Their first encounter, regarded as "the biggest battle in the history of women’s boxing," took place at Madison Square Garden and saw Taylor win a split decision in May 2022. The fight was closely contested, with shifting momentum and dramatic moments such as Serrano rocking Taylor and a scare when Taylor hit the canvas, only to survive and ultimately secure the win on two of three scorecards. Though the decision sparked mild controversy, it was the rematch that drew even more attention, coinciding with the popular Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson undercard on Netflix.
In the rematch, Serrano again hurt Taylor early but Taylor’s repeated use of headbutts caused serious cuts to Serrano’s eyes, leading to a points deduction. Despite this, Taylor was awarded a contentious unanimous decision victory, which many fans debated online as Serrano seemed to have done enough to win. Both fights showed increased activity, with Serrano landing more punches each time, although Taylor managed to hold onto her titles.
For their third bout, Serrano is hopeful that the judging will reflect her strong performances better than in past encounters. The undercard features several high-profile women’s title fights, spotlighting the growing prominence of female boxing. Experts note Serrano’s strength and aggression could tilt the fight in her favor, especially if Taylor cannot neutralize Serrano’s pressure. The fight promises intense action, with Serrano favored in some predictions to claim a split decision victory.
The event’s full lineup includes title defenses from top fighters like Ellie Scotney, Yamileth Mercado, Alycia Baumgardner, and Savannah Marshall, further boosting the focus on women’s boxing in a major venue under the spotlight of a widely viewed streaming platform.
Fan Take: This trilogy is a landmark in women’s boxing, showcasing top-tier talent and dramatic storylines that captivate fans. It highlights the sport’s growth and potential for even bigger mainstream audiences, signaling a promising future for female fighters and boxing enthusiasts alike.
