More than 25 years ago, when Katie Taylor first entered the world of boxing, she disguised herself as a man. Back then, women were forbidden from competing in her native Ireland. In order to fight, she had to hide.Now, the boxing world’s attention will be on Taylor, the boxer who transformed this sport in many ways, and on the rivalry that has transcended it. Taylor returns to Madison Square Garden to face Amanda Serrano in what could be the third and final chapter of their story, with Taylor’s undisputed super lightweight championship at stake.Serrano, 36 years old, holds the number 3 position in the pound-for-pound list. He has conquered nine major world titles in seven weight categories.Their first encounter, a classic in 2022, was the first female fight to headline the iconic New York stadium, and ended with a split decision in favor of Taylor. Last November’s rematch was also very close, with all three judges awarding a narrow victory to Taylor by 95-94; and in the speech, fueled by Serrano’s accusations that Taylor intentionally fought dirty (accusations she later retracted).The talent and intrigue of both have propelled women’s boxing to heights that Taylor would have considered unimaginable when she was an amateur: big financial gains, headlining the first women’s MSG card, a lineup featuring 17 world titles in five fights.Taylor, with a 24-1 record in her career and 2-0 against Serrano, explains that she didn’t need this fight, but she wanted it. In this sport that she has helped build, she will not hide from anyone or anything. Here comes the trilogy.
The Taylor vs Serrano Trilogy
Taylor claims she doesn’t care what Serrano or her team say about the fight, as her hand was raised at the end of both bouts and she has a 2-0 advantage. She highlights her desire to participate in these historic fights.I wanted to be involved in a fight as big as possible. And I knew that after the second fight, this was still the biggest fight in women’s boxing. And I don’t think anyone can say that I ever avoided any female boxer.
Katie Taylor
Taylor acknowledges the importance of having Serrano as a rival, highlighting how both have helped each other grow and elevate the sport. She considers this rivalry a milestone for women’s boxing.Taylor and Serrano have pushed each other to be their best, recalling iconic trilogies like Gatti/Ward, Ali/Frazier, and Golovkin/Canelo. The fights between Taylor and Serrano have shown skill, heart, and the will to win.Taylor wishes these great nights to continue, with important events consistently. She believes the talent needed to achieve this already exists.The boxer is excited about other fights on the card, such as Ellie Scotney’s and the co-main event between Alycia Baumgardner and Jennifer Miranda. She is eager to see the audience’s reaction and the subsequent comments.Taylor recalls a key moment after her first fight at Madison Square Garden, when she saw female boxers in the gym inspired by her fight. She highlights the impact on the next generation and the inspiration they can provide to young women who will watch the fight on July 11.She is obviously a great boxer. I have a lot of respect for Amanda. I think she is also a great person. So she is obviously a fantastic champion in her own way. We will have to show a lot of heart there, a lot of determination. It will always be like that against her. I think we both bring out the best in each other because of that.
Katie Taylor
