Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: the ‘greatest’ women’s boxing fight in history
The world’s top two female boxers faced off for the first time and produced an ‘unforgettable’ show
It was billed as a gamechanger, the “biggest night in the history of women’s boxing”, said Bryan Armen Graham in The Guardian. And for once, the “breathless hype” was justified. On Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano – long regarded as the two finest female boxers in the world – faced off for the first time and produced an “unforgettable encounter”.
This was a history-making bout in more ways than one, said Gareth A. Davies in The Daily Telegraph: it was the first time two women have earned “million-dollar purses” and the first time women have headlined the “hallowed mecca in Manhattan”. The 20,000 fans who packed the arena witnessed a contest of “battle, skill and wit” whose outcome was in doubt till the very end. After ten rounds, the judges were split, but two of the three narrowly favoured Taylor. So the Irish fighter, who has never lost a professional fight, retained her undisputed lightweight crown.
What made the encounter all the more riveting were the two fighters’ contrasting styles, said Michael Foley in The Times. Serrano, 33, from Puerto Rico, is a boxer of immense punching power, while 35-year-old Taylor is renowned for her agility and ring-craft. In the fifth round, Serrano inflicted a “succession of ferocious assaults” on her opponent, but deploying all her experience, Taylor gradually wrested back the initiative, “capping an awesome reversal” by landing several big blows near the end.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Taylor, who grew up in an “impoverished neighbourhood” in County Wicklow, and who first considered a career as a footballer, became an Irish icon when she won gold at the 2012 Olympics, said Chris Mannix in Sports Illustrated. She turned professional four years later, at a time when there was barely a commercial market for women’s boxing. Since then, the sport has made big strides forward – largely thanks to her success and global popularity.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Who actually needs life insurance?
The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotels
The Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Is the AI bubble deflating?
Today's Big Question Growing skepticism and high costs prompt reconsideration
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
The England kit: a furore over the flag
Why everyone's talking about Nike's redesign of the St George's Cross on the collar of the English national team's shirt has caused controversy
By The Week UK Published
-
Bobby Charlton: England's old-fashioned sporting hero
Obituary Not only was Sir Bobby one of the country's greatest-ever footballers he was lauded for his demeanour on and off the pitch
By The Week UK Published
-
Coco Gauff: a tennis prodigy comes of age with US Open win
American 19-year-old battled back from a set down to claim first grand slam title
By The Week Staff Published
-
Adam and Simon Yates become the first twins to top a Tour de France stage
feature Good news stories from the past seven days
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Ashes: can England mount a glorious comeback?
feature ‘Herculean’ task follows ugly scenes at controversial second test
By The Week Staff Published
-
Football, F1, golf, boxing: are the Saudis taking over?
Talking Point Huge salaries are drawing players to Saudi as kingdom seeks ‘reputational gains’
By The Week Staff Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Luton Town’s extraordinary ‘resurrection’
feature The Hatters complete a fairy tale rise from non-league to the Premier League
By The Week Staff Published