Katie Taylor Clinches Victory Against Amanda Serrano in Epic Showdown at Madison Square Garden

MMA Fighting has provided live round-by-round updates for one of the year's most highly anticipated boxing matches: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3. The electrifying event took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday night. Fans from around the globe tuned in to witness this historic encounter, which was available for streaming on Netflix. The main event was expected to kick off around 11 p.m. ET, and boxing enthusiasts were eager to see how the dramatic narrative of this rivalry would unfold.
Heading into the match, Katie Taylor, boasting a record of 24 wins and just 1 loss, had secured four victories in her last five bouts. Among these were two narrow wins against Serrano — the first a split decision on April 30, 2022, and the second a unanimous decision on November 15, 2024. Conversely, Amanda Serrano, known for her explosive fighting style and impressive 47-3-1 record, entered the ring undefeated in her last five matches. The stakes were high, as the title of undisputed super lightweight champion was on the line in this battle for boxing supremacy.
The atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden was electric as the crowd eagerly anticipated the fighters' entrances. Serrano was the first to make her way to the ring, accompanied by the sensational singer Natti Natasha, who performed as part of her walkout. The Knicks City Dancers also added to the spectacle, elevating the energy in the arena. In stark contrast, the reigning champion, Taylor, emerged last with no musical accompaniment, donning a striking black and gold robe as she confidently approached the ring, flanked by her entourage.
The crowd's excitement was palpable, creating an atmosphere that felt unparalleled. As the fighters prepared to begin, the anticipation reached a fever pitch, with fans on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the action unfold.
Round 1 commenced with both fighters adopting a cautious approach. Serrano was dressed in white and red, while Taylor sported her black and gold colors. Taylor held her ground in the center of the ring, while Serrano circled around her, each fighter testing the waters with probing jabs. The opening round ended with no significant punches landed, prompting MMA Fighting to score it 10-10, a testament to the fighters’ measured strategies.
As Round 2 began, Serrano displayed a sense of urgency, stepping forward and landing a solid left hand. Although neither fighter fully committed to aggressive exchanges, Serrano appeared more proactive than in the previous round. With only a few punches exchanged, MMA Fighting scored this round 10-9 in favor of Serrano, bringing the overall score to 20-19 Serrano.
In Round 3, the fight continued to develop at a slow pace, but Taylor showcased her movement and skill, landing some effective combinations against Serrano, who struggled to gain ground. The round ended with MMA Fighting scoring it 10-9 for Taylor, leveling the overall score at 29-29.
The fight remained a tactical battle in Round 4, with both women trading jabs but struggling to land significant blows. Taylor’s flurries of punches when Serrano moved in kept the crowd engaged, and MMA Fighting awarded Taylor the round 10-9, giving her a slight edge at 39-38 overall.
Round 5 saw Serrano returning to a more aggressive stance, but Taylor countered effectively with sharp punches that left the judges second-guessing their scoring. After another close round, MMA Fighting scored it 10-9 for Serrano, bringing the total to an even 48-48.
The next round maintained the tension, with Taylor suffering a small cut under her eye as both fighters delivered and received punches. Taylor's ability to control the center of the ring paid off, as she scored well while Serrano found it difficult to close the gap. MMA Fighting scored Round 7 10-9 for Taylor, evening the bout again at 67-67.
In Round 8, both women continued to showcase incredible skill and endurance. Serrano’s pressure seemed to push the fight in her favor, leading MMA Fighting to score it 10-9 for Serrano, giving her a slight lead at 77-76.
The penultimate round, Round 9, proved crucial as both fighters fought with determination. Taylor found openings for jabs and right hands, ultimately scoring 10-9 in her favor, leading to an overall tie of 86-86 entering the final round.
The last round was a thrilling conclusion to an epic battle. Serrano began with an energetic jab, but Taylor’s counter-punching and strategic movement prevailed. She landed effective shots, demonstrating her ability to adapt and respond under pressure. MMA Fighting scored the final round 10-9 for Taylor, making the official decision: Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano by majority decision with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 95-95.
Post-fight, the arena erupted with cheers, particularly from the Irish fans who proudly supported Taylor. In her victory speech, Taylor expressed gratitude to the audience and acknowledged Serrano's contributions, celebrating the historic nature of their trilogy. Though she did not confirm plans to retire, Taylor hinted that fighting Serrano again might not be in her future, citing the power of her rival as a significant factor. Serrano, visibly emotional, reflected on her performance and thanked the crowd for supporting women's boxing, despite her disappointment with the outcome.