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Ireland’s Katie Taylor has beaten Amanda Serrano in the biggest-ever fight in women’s boxing history.
The undisputed lightweight champion won by split decision after going all 10 rounds with the Puerto Rican boxer, during the first women’s bout to headline New York’s Madison Square Garden.
After a difficult number of rounds, which saw Taylor stumble on some occasions, she managed to claw it back with an impressive battle in the final few.
Serrano, a nine-time world champion in seven weight categories, was on top after the middle rounds landing some powerful punches and leaving Taylor with a bloody nose, but failed to secure a victory.
Katie Taylor has retained her status as undisputed lightweight champion of the world. Pic: AP
The judge’s final score cards read 96/94 to Serrano, 97/93 to Taylor, and 96/93 to Taylor.
It was arguably the toughest test of Taylor’s career but she extended her unbeaten record to 21 wins from as many fights, keeping hold of her WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles.
Speaking after the fight, the 35-year-old champion seemed to confirm her willingness to take part in a rematch.
“Let’s do it again Amanda,” she said.
Her promoter, Eddie Hearn, backed this up, saying he could “see a big rematch later in the year”.
He suggested the pair should fight in Ireland to give Taylor the chance to appear at Dublin’s Croke Park for the first time in her career.
Mr Hearn, who also represents the likes of Dillian Whyte, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk, went on to describe the event as “one of the greatest fights in the history of Madison Square Garden”.
Katie Taylor (right) and Amanda Serrano during the first round of their match. Pic: AP
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Taylor also took a moment to acknowledge her competitor, saying: “What a fighter Amanda Serrano is.
“I think we are both winners here tonight – look at what we have both done – sold out Madison Square Garden.
“The biggest fight in female boxing history and both of us have broken so many barriers over our whole careers.”
On Twitter, Serrano said she “didn’t get the decision” but believed she “fought a great fight”.
“I’m happy we made women’s boxing look great tonight. Now I go and start spending some of this money,” she added.
Being greeted by boos from around the crowd, the 33-year-old’s promotor Jake Paul said she would “absolutely” be willing to fly to Ireland for a rematch as he expressed his disappointment at the result.
“It was a draw at best, we thought we won,” he said. “Amanda performed amazing, it was the fight of a lifetime.”
“The crowd is booing but everyone is a winner here tonight,” he added.
“Let’s run it back like Eddie said September, October, the second fight just got a whole lot bigger.”
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