Katie Taylor Triumphs Over Serrano in Trilogy to Cement Her Legacy

Irish Icon Clinches Third Victory Over Amanda Serrano in Madison Square Garden Chess Match

On a historic night inside the electric confines of Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor once again proved why she stands tall among the greats of women’s boxing. In the third and final act of her fierce trilogy with Amanda Serrano, the Irish legend edged out her Puerto Rican rival by majority decision, adding another layer of glory to her already glittering career.

In a fight that was far more calculated than chaotic, Taylor earned scorecards of 97-93 from two judges, with the third declaring it even at 95-95. It wasn’t the all-out brawl fans had witnessed in their previous two meetings, but it was every bit as tense, strategic, and engrossing. This was two warriors operating at the peak of their craft, with every inch of the ring used and every movement laden with purpose.

Taylor Reflects on Victory and Historic Night

“We have made history three times,” Taylor said in the ring, smiling but visibly drained after 10 intense rounds. “It is such a historic fight and a pleasure to share the ring with Amanda. We are history makers forever.”

The sentiment echoed through the rafters of MSG, which hosted its first-ever all-female card. Taylor and Serrano’s rivalry has long transcended the ring, becoming a symbol of how far women’s boxing has come. This night, with thousands roaring in support and millions more watching around the world, was another defining moment.

Taylor, now 39, may be entering the twilight of her illustrious career, but her performance didn’t show it. Despite Serrano’s surging efforts in the sixth and eighth rounds, the Irish champion had more in the tank when it mattered most—closing strong, countering cleanly, and dictating the pace.

“I thought I did enough,” Taylor said. “I boxed smart and well. She wasn’t catching much tonight, but it is always a close contest. I have a huge amount of respect for Amanda. What a warrior.”

Serrano Changes Tactics, But Taylor Holds Firm

Serrano and Taylor in action

Serrano, 36, appeared to shift tactics from their previous two contests. This time, she focused on staying at range and using sharp one-twos to break Taylor’s rhythm. The approach may have looked good in spells, but it didn’t pay off on the scorecards.

“I tried something different,” Serrano admitted post-fight. “It was all about working smarter, not harder. We tried to keep our distance and not fight with her because apparently it didn’t work the first two fights… it just wasn’t enough.”

There was no controversy in the scoring this time, unlike their second meeting in November 2024. Most observers agreed Taylor had edged the bout with greater ring IQ, cleaner shots, and a tighter defensive structure. It was a performance that highlighted her evolution—a fighter still adapting, still improving, and still finding a way to win at the highest level.

A Future Uncertain: Retirement or One Last Dance?

If this was to be Katie Taylor’s swansong, it was a fitting finale. Yet, as the dust settles, questions loom. What’s next?

The Serrano trilogy is now complete. But could Taylor return for a third bout with Chantelle Cameron, who ended her unbeaten streak last year before Taylor earned revenge in the rematch?

“Chantelle has to see if she can sell out a [capacity] arena first,” Taylor said with a smirk. “I don’t think she can sell out any stadium at all. I think I’ve made her more money than she really deserves.”

There’s also the lingering dream of fighting at Dublin’s Croke Park. It remains elusive—too expensive, too many red-tape obstacles for a 2025 date. That means a potential homecoming might not happen until 2026, by which time Taylor would be 40.

“I don’t know,” she said thoughtfully. “It’s not like I have anything left to prove. I’ll take some time and make a decision in a few weeks.”

How the Fight Played Out: Tactical, Tight, and Tense

Returning to the scene of their legendary 2022 battle, the pair were met by a deafening crowd—Irish fans in their thousands, but outnumbered slightly by Serrano’s Puerto Rican faithful. It was the kind of atmosphere reserved for only the biggest fights. And once again, the moment did not disappoint.

The opening round was cautious. Both flicked out range-finding jabs but neither committed heavily. Taylor, perhaps wary of Serrano’s famed volume punching, stayed light on her feet and picked her moments.

By the third, Taylor had found her rhythm. A rapid flurry in the corner sparked roars from the crowd and gave the first real indication of her intent. She edged the early rounds with clean combinations and crisp counters, forcing Serrano to reset repeatedly.

Serrano’s best moments came in the sixth and eighth, as she landed the heavier shots and pressed Taylor with urgency. But it was not sustained, and Taylor—using her legs and experience—weathered the storm and hit back with her own spells of dominance.

The ninth saw Serrano push again, trying to force the issue. But Taylor’s head movement and distance control were sublime. Her counters landed sharply, and as the bell sounded for the tenth, it felt as though the tide had turned once and for all.

In the final two minutes, Taylor continued to dictate the pace, answering every Serrano jab with a snap of her own. It was an exclamation point to a masterclass in control, composure, and championship heart.

Taylor’s Legacy: One of the All-Time Greats

Whether she fights again or not, Katie Taylor has secured her legacy. Undefeated in a trilogy against a future Hall of Famer. A trailblazer who has broken barriers and filled arenas. And now, still at the top in the 40th year of her life.

For those lucky enough to witness her in action—either in the Garden, at home in Ireland, or through a screen—Taylor’s story is one for the ages.

Her words after the fight said it best: “We are history makers forever.”