Katie Taylor beats Amanda Serrano for the third time in their epic trilogy battle

On July 11, 2025, Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted a historic boxing event: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, a trilogy fight for Taylor’s undisputed women’s super lightweight titles (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring). Broadcast live on Netflix, this 10-round bout pitted Ireland’s Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs), the reigning champion, against Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano (46-3-1, 30 KOs), a former multi-division champion and knockout artist. The fight, a culmination of one of boxing’s fiercest rivalries, drew a sold-out crowd and millions of viewers worldwide, cementing its place as a defining moment in women’s boxing. Following two closely contested battles in 2022 and 2023, this third encounter was billed as a legacy-defining clash, with both fighters aiming to settle the score.

Fight Background and Buildup

The Fighters

Katie Taylor, the 39-year-old Irish boxing icon, entered as the undisputed super lightweight champion, having held the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles since defeating Delfine Persoon in 2019. Known for her technical precision, relentless work rate, and counterpunching, Taylor’s victories over Serrano in their first two fights (a split decision in 2022 and a majority decision in 2023) established her as a pioneer in women’s boxing. Training footage shared on X showcased Taylor’s sharpness, with fans praising her footwork and composure under pressure.

Amanda Serrano, the 36-year-old Puerto Rican star, was a seven-division world champion with a reputation for devastating power and aggressive style. Her 30 knockouts underscored her threat, and her previous fights against Taylor—both razor-close—proved she could match the champion’s skill. Serrano’s preparation focused on exploiting Taylor’s defensive lapses, with Boxing News 24 noting her intent to press harder and avoid the judges’ scorecards. The controversy of their prior bouts, where some fans believed Serrano deserved the nod, fueled her determination to claim the undisputed crown.

The Stakes

The trilogy fight was a high-stakes affair. For Taylor, a victory would solidify her legacy as one of the greatest female boxers ever, further distancing her from Serrano in their head-to-head record. For Serrano, a win would not only capture the undisputed super lightweight titles but also cement her as a global superstar, potentially leading to blockbuster rematches or cross-sport bouts (e.g., against UFC’s Kayla Harrison). Promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions, the event was a centerpiece of a stacked July boxing schedule, alongside Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda and Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios. The sold-out Madison Square Garden and Netflix’s global reach amplified its significance, with X posts hyping it as “the fight of the year.”

The buildup was charged but respectful, with both fighters acknowledging each other’s greatness. Taylor emphasized her desire to “prove who’s best once and for all,” while Serrano promised a “war” to overturn her previous losses. The press conference, covered by Bad Left Hook, featured a tense but professional face-off, with fans on X debating whether Serrano’s power or Taylor’s finesse would prevail.

Fight Summary

Round-by-Round Breakdown

The following round-by-round analysis is based on BoxingScene’s detailed report of the fight, supplemented by pre-fight expectations and fighter styles.

Rounds 1–2: Cautious Start
The opening rounds saw both fighters feeling each other out, a departure from the all-out wars of their previous encounters. Taylor, boxing on the back foot, used her jab to control range, landing crisp counters as Serrano advanced. Serrano, cautious due to Taylor’s accuracy in past fights, relied on her jab but struggled to close the distance. The first round was close, with Taylor edging it through precision. In the second, Serrano landed solid body shots, but Taylor’s movement kept her out of danger, likely splitting the early rounds.

Rounds 3–4: Taylor Takes Control
Taylor found her rhythm in the third, countering Serrano’s flurries with accurate right hands and taking the round with a late burst of punches. The fourth was Taylor’s strongest, as she landed a hard right to Serrano’s head, exploiting her opponent’s forward pressure. Serrano, wary of Taylor’s counters and mindful of eye injuries from their prior fights, hesitated to engage inside, allowing Taylor to build a slight lead. X posts noted Taylor’s “surgical” precision in these rounds.

Rounds 5–6: Serrano’s Surge
Serrano turned the tide in the fifth, marching forward with left hooks and outworking Taylor in exchanges. Her aggression paid off in the sixth, a round BoxingScene described as Serrano’s best, as she landed a hard right that visibly shook Taylor. The crowd roared as Serrano pressed her advantage, though Taylor’s defensive footwork prevented a knockdown. At the halfway point, BoxingScene scored the fight 48-47 for Taylor, reflecting its competitiveness.

Rounds 7–8: Injury and Drama
The seventh round brought drama when Taylor suffered a cut under her right eye, likely from a clash of heads, slowing her output. Serrano capitalized, landing heavy left hooks and pressuring Taylor, who retreated to avoid further damage. The eighth saw Serrano dominate, with BoxingScene noting her relentless forward movement and body shots. Taylor, however, showed resilience, landing enough counters to keep the round close, though Serrano’s aggression gave her the edge.

Rounds 9–10: Taylor’s Final Stand
In the ninth, Taylor regained composure, sliding away from Serrano’s attacks and landing accurate jabs to frustrate her opponent. Serrano struggled to land significant shots, allowing Taylor to edge the round. The tenth was a masterclass from Taylor, who flurried with combinations and stayed composed under pressure, sealing the fight with a strong finish. BoxingScene scored the final round decisively for Taylor, highlighting her ability to “stay cool” despite Serrano’s late push.

Outcome

Katie Taylor won via majority decision, with official scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 95-95, retaining her IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring super lightweight titles. The close scorecards reflected the fight’s competitiveness, though some fans on X argued Serrano’s aggression warranted a draw or victory. BoxingScene praised both fighters as “female boxing’s greatest ambassadors,” noting the sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd as a testament to their draw. Taylor’s record improved to 24-1, while Serrano’s fell to 46-3-1.

Post-Fight Analysis

Tactical Breakdown

Taylor’s victory hinged on her technical mastery and adaptability. Her ability to counter Serrano’s aggression with precise jabs and movement neutralized the Puerto Rican’s power, particularly in the later rounds. Serrano’s mid-fight surge showcased her heart and power, but her hesitation to fully commit inside—likely due to past eye injuries—allowed Taylor to control the pace. The cut under Taylor’s eye added drama, but her resilience under pressure proved decisive. Analysts on ESPN noted that Taylor’s performance solidified her as the superior boxer in the trilogy, though Serrano’s stock remained high.

The majority decision sparked debate, with some X posts claiming Serrano’s pressure and heavier shots deserved the win. Others praised Taylor’s boxing IQ, with @DanCanobbio calling it a “masterclass in counterpunching.” The 95-95 scorecard drew scrutiny, with fans questioning whether the judge undervalued Taylor’s accuracy. Unlike their 2023 fight, no major referee controversies emerged, though the head clash causing Taylor’s cut fueled discussions about accidental fouls. The fight’s competitiveness ensured both fighters earned respect, with Bad Left Hook calling it a “fitting end to an epic trilogy.”

Undercard Highlights

The Taylor vs. Serrano 3 card was stacked with significant bouts, Key undercard results included:

• Alycia Baumgardner vs. Jennifer Miranda: Baumgardner won by unanimous decision, retaining her IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO super featherweight titles. Her technical dominance over Miranda was a highlight, though fans noted a lack of fireworks.
• Ellie Scotney vs. Yamileth Mercado: Scotney unified the IBF, WBC, and WBO super bantamweight titles with a unanimous decision, showcasing her speed and ring control.
• Shadasia Green vs. Savannah Marshall: Green won a split decision, unifying the IBF and WBO super middleweight titles in a closely contested bout.

These fights, part of Netflix’s broadcast, added depth to the card, with women’s boxing taking center stage. Yahoo Sportspraised the undercard for showcasing the sport’s rising female stars.

Cultural and Sporting Impact

Women’s Boxing Milestone

Taylor vs. Serrano 3 was a landmark for women’s boxing, drawing comparisons to iconic trilogies like Ali-Frazier. The sold-out Madison Square Garden and massive viewership highlighted the sport’s growing popularity, with BBC Sportnoting its role in elevating female fighters. The event’s timing, alongside other major July fights like Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda, positioned it as a cornerstone of a blockbuster boxing summer.

Future Implications

Taylor’s victory opens doors for high-profile bouts, with potential matchups against Chantelle Cameron or a cross-sport clash with Kayla Harrison. Serrano, despite the loss, remains a draw, with fans clamoring for a fourth fight or a move to another weight class. The trilogy’s success reinforces women’s boxing as a commercial powerhouse, with promoters like Matchroom and MVP likely to invest in similar marquee matchups.

Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 was a thrilling capstone to one of boxing’s greatest rivalries, delivering technical brilliance, heart, and drama. Taylor’s majority decision victory, earned through precision and resilience, solidified her legacy, while Serrano’s relentless pressure ensured her status as a fan favorite. The sold-out Madison Square Garden, Netflix’s global broadcast, and a stellar undercard underscored the event’s significance, marking a high point for women’s boxing. As the sport looks to 2025’s remaining blockbusters, including Usyk vs. Dubois 2 and Pacquiao vs. Barrios, Taylor vs. Serrano 3 stands as a testament to the skill, heart, and star power of its protagonists, proving that in the ring, greatness knows no gender.