Katie Taylor defeats Amanda Serrano, remaining the undisputed champion

The trilogy concluded with Katie Taylor claiming her third straight win over Amanda Serrano, keeping her junior welterweight championships with a majority decision in a bout that was the opposite of the first two. After 20 minutes of a high-level chess match, Taylor said her name is connected to Serrano’s forever. 

Taylor is an orthodox fighter, and Serrano is a southpaw. Naturally, a matchup like this can result in crashing heads and gnarly cuts, which happened to Serrano in the second fight on Nov. 15. This time, both combatants were far more appreciative of defense, to the point of frustrating the bloodthirsty crowd inside Madison Square Garden. After the fade, Serrano said she was trying to keep her distance and fight smarter because going guns blazing failed twice. 

The first round was quiet with only three punches connecting, per Compubox data. There was a flash of the prior two clashes in round three as both stood in the pocket, discharging venomous strikes, but Taylor won the exchanges via combinations and her left hook.

The pace slowed back to third gear with both of them fighting on the outside. It was more favorable for Taylor as she maneuvered around almost every inch of the ring, landing counters. One of the more memorable tradeoffs was the pair landing left hooks in the corner at the end of round eight, followed by Taylor’s jab.

In the ninth, Taylor took control, totaling seven power punches to the head. She was told going into the 10th that she needed the round. Serrano was informed by trainer Jordan Maldonado that she was ahead but also needed the round. 

Taylor subsequently was the bolder and more accurate fighter, emitting left hooks and straight rights. 

The three judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 97-93. and all of them awarded the last two rounds to Taylor.

Serrano said she would have to watch the fight, but believed her team that she won.

At the post-fight presser, Taylor said, “The game plan tonight was not [to] let her feet set.” 

When asked about retirement or having more left in her, she said she didn’t know but wanted to enjoy the victory and reflect before deciding.