In a gripping encounter that added another chapter to their storied rivalry, Katie Taylor successfully outboxed Amanda Serrano over the course of ten tense rounds on Friday night, ultimately winning a majority decision. This victory allowed Taylor to retain her undisputed junior welterweight title and marked a clean sweep in their competitive series, giving her a 3-0 record against Serrano, a significant milestone in one of the most important rivalries in women's boxing history.

The judges' scores reflected the closely contested nature of the bout, with two officials scoring it 97–93 in favor of Taylor, while the third judge deemed it a draw at 95–95. This outcome was a fair representation of a fight that, while lacking the all-out ferocity seen in their previous encounters, highlighted Taylor’s exceptional footwork, precision, and strategic acumen within the ring. According to The Guardian, they too scored the match at 97-93 for Taylor.

After the final bell rang, Taylor expressed her thoughts on the fight, stating, “I thought I was boxing very smart, very well, and she wasn’t catching me with much tonight. But it’s always going to be a very close contest between myself and Amanda.” This acknowledgment of the closeness of their matches only adds to the legacy they are building together.

The bout took place at Madison Square Garden, a venue that holds significant importance in boxing history, where Taylor and Serrano previously made headlines in 2022 by being the first women to headline an event at the iconic venue. During Friday night’s match, Taylor demonstrated her tactical prowess, consistently circling around Serrano, using effective counters, and carefully avoiding prolonged exchanges that could have turned the fight in Serrano’s favor. Taylor's ability to land quick combinations while evading attacks allowed her to control much of the action.

In the early rounds, both fighters engaged in a strategic battle characterized by feints, swift footwork, and calculated risks. Taylor was able to land sharper punches while operating from the back foot, whereas Serrano pursued her opponent, striving to find openings that consistently eluded her. There were moments of intensity, such as a clean right hand from Serrano at the end of the sixth round, but these instances were brief and didn't showcase the explosive exchanges that defined their earlier bouts.

Despite both fighters appearing somewhat worn from their intense previous encounters, Taylor's speed and stamina seemed superior. She landed impactful shots, particularly with her left hand in the eighth and ninth rounds. Meanwhile, Serrano found it increasingly difficult to cut off the ring and trap Taylor, a clear indication of the strategic adjustments made throughout the fight.

As the final bell rang, Serrano raised her hands in a gesture of confidence, but when the first scorecard reflected a draw, she covered her eyes, indicating her apprehension about the outcome. Once again, the fight was decided by the narrowest of margins, and for the third time, Taylor emerged victorious.

Expressing her gratitude after the fight, Taylor said, “Thank you, Jesus. I needed a lot of help, a lot of strength today. I just want to thank Amanda Serrano. What an amazing fighter. We made history together, three times. It’s such a historic fight and it’s such a privilege to share the ring with her.” This mutual respect further cements their legacy as pioneers in the sport.

The event was particularly special as it marked Madison Square Garden’s first all-women’s fight card, a milestone that can be largely attributed to the fierce rivalry and remarkable achievements of both Taylor and Serrano. Rather than concluding with a chaotic brawl, the match transformed into a display of tactical brilliance that captivated boxing fans.

“I just thank God that my hand was raised again,” Taylor concluded. “And I’m 3-0.” This latest chapter in their rivalry is sure to be discussed for years to come as both fighters continue to shape the landscape of women’s boxing.

This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as they become available.