Tyson vs Paul: Katie Taylor narrowly defeats Amanda Serrano on points in epic rematch


Tyson vs Paul: Katie Taylor narrowly defeats Amanda Serrano on points in epic rematch

Published 16 November 2024 Advertisement Taylor booed in narrow points victory over Serrano Amanda Serrano is punched in the face by Katie Taylor Image source,Getty Images Image caption, Katie Taylor (right) won via unanimous decision despite an incredibly close contest Kal Sajad BBC Sport Journalist at the AT&T Stadium, Texas Published 6 hours ago 325 Comments Ireland's Katie Taylor was booed as she successfully retained her undisputed light-welterweight title with a contentious points win against Amanda Serrano at the AT&T Stadium in Texas. The pair served up another classic in their rematch, with Serrano's relentless volume punching and Irishwoman Taylor's smart countering. Taylor repeatedly leaned in with her head, causing a nasty cut above Serrano's right in the fourth round which opened up later in the fight as blood poured down the Puerto Rican's face. The 38-year-old was docked a point for a headbutt in the eighth, which convinced those in attendance that Serrano had done enough to gain revenge for a close points loss in 2022. But all three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Taylor. "I knew it was an absolute slugfest in there, an absolute war," Taylor said as she welcomed a trilogy bout. "I definitely didn't agree with the point deduction. I certainly wasn't fighting dirty. Sometimes it gets rough in there." The fight was chief support to 58-year-old Mike Tyson's comeback fight against Jake Paul as Taylor defended her IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles, extending her record to 24 wins and one defeat. For seven-division world champion Serrano, 36, it was only a third defeat in a remarkable 51 pro fights. "I knew when it went to the judges it was going to be a little shady," Serrano said. "Every time you get a cut it hurts. You get blood in your eye. She kept headbutting me, but we knew that from the very beginning, the first fight." The super-fight was deserving of topping the bill, yet the striking dome-shaped stadium was almost full when the boxers made their ring walks. A smiling Serrano lapped up the applause, dancing her way through a line of Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Taylor, in black with gold trim, was more understated in her ring walk but still soaking up the atmosphere as she sauntered down the runway without any real urgency. Serrano began strongly, whipping in a left hook in the closing seconds of round one to buckle Taylor's legs. Bray native Taylor knew all about her opponent's power, having somehow stayed on her feet in a memorable fifth round of the first fight. She once again weathered the storm and landed combinations in the second as the bout began to heat up. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was not sure whether he would be given accreditation for the fight after criticising the Tyson-Paul bout, watched on at ringside. The challenger complained to the referee about Taylor's excessive holding as both women trading punches in a terrific fifth, Serrano with the accurate blows.