Taylor vs. Serrano II: Bloody record fight ends in controversy

Taylor vs. Serrano II goes down in the history books as a record fight in women’s boxing. In a bloody duel, Katie Taylor triumphs controversially and remains undisputed champion in the semi-welterweight division.

Katie Taylor triumphs again against Amanda Serrano. Taylor vs. Serrano II, the eagerly awaited second duel between the two top female boxers, ended – like the first fight between the two – with a close points decision in favor of the Irishwoman. The fight took place on November 15, 2024 on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In front of a new record crowd of 72,300 spectators, the rematch became another highlight in women’s boxing.

A bloody and intense duel

Taylor and Serrano had a tough exchange of blows right from the start. Taylor used quick combinations, while Serrano countered with powerful punches. As early as the fourth round, an unintentional headbutt from Katie Taylor resulted in a deep cut over Serrano’s right eye. Taylor also suffered a cut over her right eye, but both fighters continued the fight undeterred. After ten rounds, both stood in the ring visibly marked, bloodied and exhausted. It was a picture that underlined the physical and emotional commitment of both women.

Despite the fierceness of the fight, the two rivals embraced at the end. Serrano praised Taylor as a worthy opponent, but emphasized: “I don’t think the headbutts were accidental. But I guess that’s part of the fight.” Taylor replied: “I have a lot of respect for Amanda. She is a true warrior.”

Taylor vs. Serrano II ends with controversial verdict

The judges scored the fight unanimously 95-94 for Taylor, despite a point deduction in the eighth round for repeated headbutts. Serrano and her team sharply criticized the scoring, but Taylor defended her performance: “I fight hard but fair. Headbutts like that happen in the clinch, especially against southpaws.”

The spectators in the stadium had mixed reactions, with many showing displeasure at the decision. On social media, however, there was praise for the performance of both fighters. World champions such as Claressa Shields and Terence Crawford described the result on social media as justified.

Historic event and record figures

Taylor vs. Serrano II, broadcast worldwide on Netflix, reached almost 50 million viewers. It showed that women’s boxing is increasingly inspiring a global audience. “We’re not just here as fighters, we’re here as role models,” said Taylor after the fight. Serrano added: “Women’s boxing has made history today.”

Emotional ending – now the trilogy follows

Both boxers signaled their readiness for a third duel. Taylor suggested longer rounds: “I’m ready for 12 rounds of three minutes each.” Serrano agreed, but demanded “fair conditions without headbutts”. The hug and the words they shared in the ring showed that, despite the rivalry, respect and sportsmanship were paramount.

Text: Andreas Ohlberger