Katie Taylor makes it a hattrick over Amanda Serrano in third fight
Irish Queen Katie Taylor beat Amanda Serrano for the third time in their epic, record-breaking trilogy on Friday, July 11, at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden on a majority decision.
Two of the cards read 97-93 in favour of undisputed super-lightweight champion Katie Taylor, with the third card returned from the only British judge unable to split them at 95-95.
Up to now, both battles prior to this had been thrilling, back and forth wars, with Serrano outlanding the Bray boxer, yet unable to clutch the win.
This fight was a little more thoughtful, played out in front of a sold-out arena for the latest instalment of women’s boxing’s great rivalry and, though not quite the all-out war of their previous meetings, it remained just as gripping.
“We have made history three times,” said Taylor, on a night when the iconic MSG hosted an all-female card for the first time.
“It is such a historic fight and a pleasure to share the ring with her. We are history makers forever.”
Unlike the scoring debate from their second fight in November, it was difficult to disagree with this verdict as Taylor was much more economical and effective on the night.
Puerto Rico’s Serrano enjoyed some success, but the challenger was unable to sustain the pressure with some vintage moments from 39-year-old Taylor helping her turn the tide and produce a strong finish to put a seal on victory.
“I want to thank Amanda Serrano, what an amazing fighter,” said Taylor.
“I thought I did enough. I boxed smart and well, she wasn’t catching much tonight but it is always a close contest.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Amanda. What a warrior.”
Serrano, 36, acknowledged that her change of approach this time may not have paid off as there was no immediate protest at the outcome.
“I tried something different, it was all about working smarter not harder,” she said.
“I tried to keep my distance and not fight with her because apparently it didn’t work the first two fights. We tried to stay with the long punches and one-twos, and it just wasn’t enough.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn was pleased with the win for his Irish superstar, but equally baffled with the scores, questioning how ringside judge Mark Lyson could have awarded five rounds to Serrano.
“How do you give Amanda Serrano five rounds in that fight?” He asked, genuinely astonished. “Respect to her, but after six rounds, it’s like she just conceded the fight. She lost seven, eight, nine, 10.
“It’s just bizarre from Mark Lyson. He’s a great referee and a great judge, but I’m just baffled. I mean, you get Netflix with the narrative alling it a draw as well, I think, which is just people that don’t know what they’re watching, it’s just so bizarre.”
Brits Abroad
Ellie Scotney and Chantelle Cameron shined brightly for the British contingent at the Garden, but there was defeat for Savannah Marshall in NY.
Four Britons were making their promotional debuts for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions on the undercard.
There were point wins for Scotney, Ramla Ali and Chantelle Cameron as Scotney became the WBO, IBF and WBC super-bantamweight world champion in just her eleventh professional fight.
England’s Scotney, 27, fought like a champion with a point to prove as she added the WBC belt to her growing collection by beating Yamileth Mercado on points.
On a night when there were 17 world titles across five fights, Catford’s Scotney went home with three of them and is now just one belt away from becoming undisputed.
“I have had a real test in the past few months as everyone knows. I lost my dear friend Georgia, so tonight was for her,” Scotney paid tribute.
“She was 25 years old, she was a fighter and she lost her battle to cancer. Tonight, I made sure her name is remembered in Madison Square Garden.”
Mercado was outclassed over 10 rounds by the speed and movement of Scotney, spending most of the fight chasing the Englishwoman’s shadow.
Such was her dominance, Scotney’s hands slowly dropped further and further through the rounds as she began to toy with the Mexican, who had to battle a bad cut from round four.
Scotney showed off her entire arsenal by the final bell, but couldn’t find the telling blow that would have secured the stoppage and perhaps a £185,000 performance bonus which went to Marshall’s opponent Shadasia Green.