Sarah Liegmann – From the ring corner: A fight steeped in history

Before I get started, I’m really glad you’re here to read my column. It’s going to be chaotic, funny, but mainly 100 percent real. I’ll be sharing lots of anecdotes and experiences from the world of boxing, but also giving you some exciting insights into my everyday madness. And now it’s time to clear the ring!

Two women who have left their mark on boxing: Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. After the first mega-fight between Taylor and Serrano, the rematch finally took place two years later. Looking back, I have to say that I saw Amanda Serrano as the winner in the first fight. Nevertheless, the fight was very close, which also spoke for the quality of this matchup. Last Friday, the two finally stood toe to toe in the ring again. My favorite? Clearly Serrano. Despite an incredibly strong performance from Taylor, I don’t think it was enough for a win this time. You can read this opinion more and more on social media.

As expected, an open and spectacular exchange of blows developed, which – as in the first duel – left nothing to be desired in terms of drama and boxing quality. This was symbolized by a gaping cut over Serrano’s right eye in the fifth round, caused by a headbutt from Katie Taylor. I can’t say for sure whether this was intentional. However, with regard to the following rounds, Taylor repeated her impetuous headbutt, which led to a point deduction by the referee in the 8th round. In my opinion, a decision that should have been made earlier. I was afraid the whole time that a doctor was going to stop the fight at any moment because Serrano’s cut was really deep. I thought it was very impressive how she put in an incredible performance without batting an eyelid despite this injury.

Taylor-Serrrano: A duel for history

In the history of CompuBox, Serrano was even honored as the woman with the highest punch record after this fight with 324 punches landed. In contrast to Serrano, Taylor landed only 217 punches according to some sources. How could the fight still be scored in Taylor’s favor? Together with the points deduction, it was actually clear to me that it had to end 95:94 in Serrano’s favor. I was all the more surprised when Katie’s arm went up. I couldn’t really understand the judges’ decision, but you have to respect it.

Both boxers are truly exceptional athletes. I’m very happy that they got the chance to show the whole world on Netflix that we women deserve to be in the ring. Since so many people wanted to see the Tyson vs. Paul fight and already had the stream, they “had” to see the fight, even if they didn’t really care. The only thing I noticed on social media and in everyday life was pure enthusiasm. They also had the pay day of their lives and the pay day in the history of women’s boxing. According to media reports, they both collected around 6 million dollars – well deserved! Fights and payments like these characterize our sport. Not boxing as such, but women’s boxing in particular.

Things are looking up, ladies!