Rivalry Inspires Women’s Boxing
NEW YORK (AP) — The fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano three years ago at Madison Square Garden not only ignited a thrilling rivalry between two of boxing’s elite but also paved the way for opportunities for female boxers that were previously unimaginable.
A New Era for Women in Boxing
In Ireland, when Taylor was growing up, the idea of a professional boxing career for girls was beyond consideration. Fast forward to July 11, when Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) and Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) will face off again at Madison Square Garden, this time as the main event of an all-women’s card.
Groundbreaking Achievements
Serrano reflected on their journey saying, “Fighting at the Garden was never a dream for me because I didn’t even know women could headline there. The first fight was like a dream I didn’t know I had.” She adds that she and Taylor are inspiring the next generation of female fighters.
Exciting Fights Ahead
In their previous encounters, Taylor narrowly won by split decision in the first match and then by unanimous decision in a rematch last year. Their upcoming trilogy fight for Taylor’s undisputed 140-pound titles promises to deliver intense action, as both fighters emphasize the high-quality bouts that will feature on the entire card. “This isn’t just a gimmick,” Taylor stated. “This is going to be simply a great night for boxing.”
Full Card of Women’s Fights
The event will include fights such as Alycia Baumgardner defending her super featherweight titles against Spain’s Jennifer Miranda, as well as title fights at super bantamweight and bantamweight. Most Valuable Promotions indicated that the card would showcase six of the top 15 women on the women’s pound-for-pound list according to Boxrec.com.
Trailblazers in the Sport
As veteran boxers nearing the end of their careers, Taylor, who fought in headgear to fit in as girls weren’t allowed to box, was instrumental in making women’s boxing an Olympic sport in 2012. Conversely, Serrano, a champion across seven different weight classes, is now transitioning to a post-fighting career but remains passionate about continuing in the ring for significant paydays and the chance to defeat Taylor.
Looking Forward
Serrano expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Having the opportunity to fight Katie Taylor once again is amazing.” She views this as a remarkable chapter in her story, especially as it unfolds alongside talented female fighters, making the experience even more special.
