Taylor edges out Serrano in controversial decision

ARLINGTON, Texas — Katie Taylor retained her undisputed women’s lightweight championship with a controversial and unpopular unanimous decision over Amanda Serrano on Friday night at AT&T Stadium.

The fight was a return bout of their magnificent 2022 encounter at Madison Square Garden that Taylor won by a narrow split decision. It was the first time two women headlined at the historic arena.

Friday night’s rematch served as chief support of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and ended in a decision that was more controversial than their first meeting. All three judges scored it for Taylor with scores of 95-94.

Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) had to endure a grotesque cut over her right eye due to an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round. Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) was deducted a point in Round 8 as the cut opened wider and drew audible groans from the thousands in the crowd.

The two women again put on a thrilling fight with a high octane offensive assault. Serrano appeared the stronger of the two early as she marched down Taylor and pounded at her head and body with hooks and jabs. Taylor fought her way back into the fight and attempted to hold her ground, which resulted in the numerous clashing of heads.

But it appeared Serrano was the stronger and more active fighter. She outlanded Taylor 324-217, according to Compubox.

With the series now in favor of Taylor at 2-0, the controversial nature of both wins might still justify a third fight.