Taylor Serrano rematch/ Katie Taylor unanimous decision/ Amanda Serrano head-butting/ women’s boxing controversy/ Taylor Serrano fight highlights/ Newslooks/ ARLINGTON/ Texas/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Katie Taylor retained her undisputed super lightweight championship, defeating Amanda Serrano in a hard-fought rematch Friday night. The fight, marked by accusations of head-butting, ended in a razor-thin unanimous decision for Taylor, sparking controversy similar to their first bout in 2022. Despite her loss, Serrano landed more punches but couldn’t sway the judges.
Taylor-Serrano Rematch: Quick Looks
- Taylor Victorious: Katie Taylor won a close unanimous decision, scored 95-94 by all judges.
- Head-Butting Claims: Serrano accused Taylor of intentional head-butts, echoing similar complaints from their 2022 bout.
- Punch Stats: Serrano landed 107 more punches but failed to win over the judges.
- Fight Highlights: Both fighters exchanged heavy punches, with Serrano fighting through a nasty cut.
- Crowd Reaction: The decision drew boos, leaving fans divided over the result.
Katie Taylor Defeats Amanda Serrano in Another Controversial Decision
Deep Look
The much-anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano delivered another thrilling battle, but it also reignited controversy over the judges’ decision and allegations of head-butting. Fighting at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Taylor emerged victorious with a razor-thin unanimous decision, retaining her undisputed super lightweight championship.
The Fight: A Slugfest With Controversy
The rematch resembled their first encounter at Madison Square Garden in 2022, featuring relentless exchanges and high drama. Taylor, the 38-year-old Irish champion, started cautiously but found her rhythm mid-fight. Serrano, a 36-year-old Puerto Rican legend, never let up, even after sustaining a deep cut over her left eye in the sixth round.
The injury, which Serrano attributed to an intentional head-butt by Taylor, briefly paused the fight as the referee called for a timeout. Taylor was penalized a point for the infraction in the eighth round, but Serrano remained visibly frustrated.
“I think it’s 100% intentional because she does it in every fight,” Serrano said post-fight.
Taylor dismissed the accusations, saying:
“I really don’t care what’s being said. I’m 2-0 against Serrano.”
Judges’ Decision Sparks Debate
The judges scored the fight 95-94 across the board for Taylor, a decision met with boos from the crowd. Serrano, visibly upset, later shared punch stats showing her landing 324 punches to Taylor’s 217.
“I landed 107 more punches, she got a point deducted, and I lost 95-94,” Serrano posted on social media, accompanied by a frustrated expletive.
Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledged the close call but highlighted the fight’s spectacle:
“It’s done now. We saw an incredible event with millions watching.”
Serrano’s Determination Amid Adversity
Despite the cut, Serrano fought with unwavering determination. The wound, likely from a clash of heads, required attention from the ringside doctor in the sixth round. Serrano assured the doctor she could continue and showed no signs of slowing, often pressing Taylor to the ropes with relentless combinations.
Serrano’s trainer, Jordan Maldonado, joined in criticizing the officiating:
“If head-butting is excluded and we get a fair referee, Serrano wins.”
Taylor’s Legacy Continues
Taylor’s victory cements her status as one of boxing’s greatest champions. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist and undisputed titleholder in two weight classes now boasts a 24-1 record with six knockouts. This fight marked her third win since suffering her only professional loss, a setback she avenged last year against Chantelle Cameron.
“This was another great chapter in women’s boxing,” Taylor said, downplaying the controversy.
What’s Next?
The question of a third fight looms large. Both fighters are open to another bout, though Serrano’s camp insists on stricter officiating. Fans are eager for a decisive end to one of boxing’s most compelling rivalries.
