A Rivalry for the Ages: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has announced the highly anticipated third installment of the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano rivalry, set to take place on Friday, July 11th at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This historic trilogy will headline the first-ever all-women’s boxing card at the iconic venue, a testament to the growth and increasing recognition of women’s boxing. The event will be broadcast for free to Netflix’s 300 million subscribers, ensuring a global audience for this monumental bout.
The Magnitude of the Match
The first two bouts between Taylor and Serrano were not only record-breaking but also action-packed and highly contested. Their first encounter at Madison Square Garden in 2022 saw them throw nearly 1,000 punches combined, with Taylor edging out a split decision victory. The judges scored it 97-93 and 96-93 for Taylor, with one judge giving Serrano a close 96-94 edge. The second match, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was equally intense. Despite suffering a nasty cut over her right eye caused by a headbutt and Taylor being deducted a point for excessive headbutting, Serrano outlanded Taylor 324 to 217, landing 58.2 percent of her power punches. However, all three judges awarded Taylor the decision, scoring it 95-94, leading to the call for a third match.
The Controversy and the Deal
The third match, set for 10, two-minute rounds, has not been without controversy. Amanda Serrano, 33, expressed her disappointment that Taylor, 38, did not honor a handshake deal to make the trilogy 12, three-minute rounds, equal to men’s fights. Despite this, Serrano remains determined to secure the victory she believes she deserves. "I’m disappointed that Katie Taylor did not keep her word and make the trilogy 12, three-minute rounds, equal to the men. This is a record-setting payday for both of us, and we owed it to the fans to honor the handshake deal we made. She didn’t. But make no mistake, every time we share the ring, it is war, and I know Friday, July 11 will be the greatest yet because I will finally get the official W, I deserve," said Serrano.
Katie Taylor’s Perspective
For Katie Taylor, the third fight is an opportunity to close the chapter on what has been an epic rivalry. "I want to thank everyone at Matchroom, MVP, and Netflix for getting the trilogy over the line and I can’t wait to headline at MSG again in July. I’m 2 and 0 against Amanda but it’s obviously a very special rivalry that delivers every time we step in the ring, so I think it’s only right that we have the trilogy," Taylor stated. Taylor’s comments reflect her respect for Serrano and the magnitude of their ongoing competition. The Irish fighter is known for her strategic and disciplined approach, which has been crucial in her previous wins against Serrano.
The Significance of the Event
The third bout between Taylor and Serrano is significant not only for the fighters but also for the sport of boxing. It marks a breakthrough in the recognition and promotion of women’s boxing, a sport that has long been overshadowed by its male counterpart. The fact that this match will headline the first all-women’s boxing card at Madison Square Garden is a historic moment, signaling a shift in the industry towards greater equality and representation. The global reach of the event, thanks to Netflix, ensures that this milestone will not go unnoticed.
Looking Forward
As the sports world eagerly anticipates the third fight, both Taylor and Serrano are training fiercely, knowing that the stakes are high and the spotlight is intense. The rivalry between these two fighters has captivated audiences worldwide, and the third match is expected to be a defining moment in their careers. Whether it is Taylor solidifying her dominance or Serrano securing the elusive win, one thing is certain: this trilogy will be remembered as a landmark in the history of women’s boxing. The fight on July 11th is not just about the outcome; it is about the legacy these fighters are building and the future they are helping to shape for women in the sport.
