The Taylor-Serrano Trilogy Concludes: A Strategic Victory for the Undisputed Champion
The highly anticipated trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano finally concluded at Madison Square Garden, a sold-out arena buzzing with 19,721 fans and a remarkable $2.63 million gate, streamed live on Netflix. While the previous two encounters were explosive, electrifying battles, this final chapter delivered a different narrative: a calculated, tactical victory for Katie Taylor via majority decision. This carefully orchestrated strategy secured Taylor’s undisputed super lightweight championship once more.
A Calculated Approach: Taylor’s Tactical Masterclass
A Shift in Strategy
Unlike their previous two fiercely contested matches, this fight showcased a more measured approach from Taylor. She consciously avoided the all-out brawls that characterized their past fights, instead employing a disciplined strategy of calculated strikes and footwork. This marked a significant departure from their previous confrontations, which saw Taylor narrowly winning in thrilling, highly contested bouts. Taylor’s post-fight comments confirmed this deliberate shift, stating, “I was planning to come in here and fight a disciplined match. I was planning to do it the first two times as well, but it didn’t work out like that. Thankfully I was able to execute my game plan very well, move my feet and not let her get set on her feet.”
The Numbers Tell a Story
The stark difference in punch statistics highlights this strategic change. While both Taylor and Serrano landed a relatively equal 70 punches each in this fight, this pales in comparison to their previous encounters. In those bouts, Taylor landed a combined 364 punches, and Serrano an impressive 497. This clearly indicates a calculated decision by Taylor to prioritize precision over sheer volume.
Serrano’s Adaptability and the Quest for Victory
Serrano, ever the formidable opponent, also adjusted her approach. Acknowledging the previous fights’ outcomes, Serrano explained, “We tried something different…It was all about working smarter, not harder. I tried to keep my distance and tried not to go in there and fight with her because, apparently, it didn’t work in the first two fights.” Her focus on longer punches and measured combinations, however, proved insufficient to overcome Taylor’s carefully executed strategy.
A Historic Night for Women’s Boxing
This trilogy bout was the headliner of a truly historic all-women’s fight card featuring 17 world title fights. While this event fell short of the explosive intensity of the previous Taylor-Serrano matchups, it undoubtedly solidified women’s boxing’s position on the global stage, building upon the success of their prior fights. The first fight, held in April 2022 at Madison Square Garden, attracted 1.5 million global viewers on Netflix. Their rematch last November, co-main event to the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout, set a new record, becoming the most-watched women’s sporting event in US history, with an astounding average of 74 million global viewers on Netflix. As Serrano herself stated, “[We proved] the women can fight, we can sell, and we look good doing it.”
Beyond the Main Event: Other Notable Fights
The undercard also delivered exciting matchups. Alycia Baumgardner successfully defended her undisputed super featherweight championship against Jennifer Miranda with a unanimous decision, securing her victory with scores of 98-92, 98-92, and 97-93. This fight, though initially cautious, saw Baumgardner eventually gain the upper hand, showcasing her skills and experience. Post-fight, Baumgardner acknowledged some rust from a layoff but expressed her eagerness to return to the ring.
The Future Unwritten: Reflections on a Legacy
Taylor’s victory brings a definitive end to this iconic rivalry, leaving both fighters’ futures uncertain. While Taylor expressed a desire not to fight Serrano again, the impact of their trilogy remains undeniable. Their battles elevated women’s boxing to new heights, proving its ability to captivate audiences and generate significant interest. Even if the final fight didn’t match the intensity of their past encounters, the legacy of Taylor and Serrano’s rivalry is firmly cemented in the history of the sport.
