Taylor vs Serrano: Chronicle of a historic trilogy in women’s boxing

The atmosphere was deafening and the crowd, dense. Madison Square Garden filled up once more to witness the clash between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, two emblematic figures of women’s boxing, a sport that barely existed a decade ago.The flags of Ireland and Puerto Rico waved, symbolizing the roots of two peoples who have fought in this city and on this stage for generations.Despite all the anticipation, there was something ancestral in the chants and war cries that preceded Taylor and Serrano’s entry into the ring. The first two fights of this historic trilogy were epic battles.In the second contest, a bloody fight last November, a record for punches landed in a ten-round women’s fight was established. A similar situation was expected.

Where is Taylor vulnerable?

Serrano asked

Well, she is an Irish fighter. She’s as tough as a rock. But she’ll always fight. And that makes her vulnerable because I hit harder than her.

Serrano responded

Serrano, a seven-division champion and Brooklyn native, by way of Puerto Rico, has the most powerful punches. A close-quarters fight would favor her.Taylor, for his part, would cite his debt to the legions of Irish fans as soon as the fight was over.

I simply love them all and I love my country. I feel that when I come in here, I represent my country. I represent all of you.

Taylor declared

However, that anticipated war never materialized. Taylor, 39 years old and two-time Olympian, boxed impeccably.Although the undisputed championship of the 140-pound division was at stake, the agreed weight of 136 pounds favored Serrano.

I love these kinds of challenges.

Said Taylor

This time, the confrontation turned out to be more mental than physical. Taylor didn’t let it turn into a brutal fight.Serrano failed to inflict significant damage. He was never able to solve the distance, and spent most of the night chasing and missing punches. According to CompuBox, Serrano missed 312 of the 382 punches he threw.The fight was not an exciting spectacle. Taylor herself acted cautiously, respecting Serrano’s power.

She hits too hard.

Taylor commented

However, by the sixth round, the dynamic was clear, as were the chants that echoed in the Garden: “Ka-tie! Ka-tie! Ka-tie!”

Obviously, I planned to come in here and fight with discipline and intelligence. I planned to do that the other two times as well, but it didn’t work out that way. But fortunately, I was able to execute the game plan very well and move my feet.

Added Taylor

Being a trilogy, this was as peculiar as it was historic. Although Taylor entered the third fight with a 2-0 lead, it could be said that he was 2-0 down.In his third fight, although it was the least violent, it also provided the clearest result.

I want to thank Amanda Serrano as well, what an incredible fighter. We made history together three times… it’s a privilege to share the ring with her… We make history forever. My name is forever etched with Amanda’s.

Taylor declared

At the end, Serrano could be seen struggling to contain his emotion.

They tried something different. It was about working smarter, not harder. I tried to keep my distance, I tried not to go in there and fight with her because it apparently didn’t work in the first two fights, so we tried to stick to the long punches, the one-two, and I guess it just wasn’t enough.

Serrano commented

A judge declared it a draw. Two saw it 97-93 in favor of Taylor. I had six rounds to three for Taylor, reluctantly declaring the first round a draw. Even so, that misses the most important point.

I really want to thank each and every one of you for coming and supporting women’s boxing. It was an incredible night for us women, and I am crying for you, for you.

Serrano concluded

The biggest names in men’s boxing struggle to fill the Garden, and the seating configuration is often reduced. But Taylor and Serrano have sold it out twice since 2022. Unlike the men, no one needs to beg or bribe them to fight.Amanda Serrano started boxing just to accompany her older sister, Cindy. “I never thought I would become a world champion,” she told me on Thursday afternoon. Nor did she think she would be rich. Now she is earning millions.It’s been nine years since Serrano became the second Puerto Rican boxer to win titles in four divisions (the other is Miguel Cotto). Her purse that night? “Four thousand dollars,” she said. “I thought about quitting after that. I thought about quitting many times.”I asked her what she was most proud of.

The noise.

Serrano responded

Serrano was referring to the sound that would accompany his entrance, and Taylor’s, to Madison Square Garden: that roar at the top of his lungs amidst all the waving flags.That sound. It’s opening the doors to all these young women.