In the duel between the two most successful female boxers in the world, Ireland’s Katie Taylor made history in New York on Sunday night.
In the duel between the two most successful female boxers in the world, Irishwoman Katie Taylor made history in New York on Sunday night.
The 35-year-old won the first main fight between two women in the 140-year history of the legendary arena in front of 19,187 spectators at the sold-out Madison Square Garden against Amanda Serrano (Puerto Rico).
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano live up to huge hype
The historic fight had been heavily marketed as the “biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing”, with YouTube star and boxer Jake Paul and WWE wrestlers including Taylor’s compatriot Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair being roped in for the promotion – the clash more than lived up to the ballyhoo in the end.
By winning on points after ten rounds, she successfully defended her WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO federation version titles at lightweight. “I had to go all out,” said Taylor, paying tribute to her opponent: “I knew I was going to get in the trenches at some point. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great person.”
Brooklyn-born Serrano had Taylor down in the fifth round, but the defending champion fought on, covered in blood, and had momentum on her side in the closing rounds. This means she remains unbeaten after 21 professional fights.
Serrano beaten for first time since 2012
Serrano (33) had previously become the first female boxer to collect world titles in seven different weight classes – including super flyweight, which was once also ruled by long-time flyweight dominator Regina Halmich.
Serrano had moved up two weight classes for the clash with Taylor – and conceded her first defeat since 2012. “We put on an insane show,” she said. “Women can sell, women can fight.”
Both boxers held out the prospect of a rematch immediately afterwards. “Let’s do it again, Amanda,” Taylor said during her victory interview. “Whenever she wants,” her opponent replied.