Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano LIVE: Fight stream, latest updates and result tonight
Re-live the main-event and undercard action live from Madison Square Garden
Katie Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight title with a split-decision win against Amanda Serrano on Saturday night, edging a thrilling contest at Madison Square Garden. The pair were the first female fighters to headline at the iconic New York City venue, and their title fight in front of a sold-out crowd lived up to the billing of being the biggest bout in the history of women’s boxing.
Taylor started as the sharper fighter amid a raucous atmosphere, managing her range well and catching her Puerto Rican opponent with several well-timed counter left hooks. Serrano maintained her gameplan of walking down Taylor, however, and in the second round the unified featherweight champion began to find homes for stinging left straights from her southpaw stance. The most dramatic frame of the fight was the fifth, with the women wildly trading punches in the corner as Serrano’s shots began to take greater effect. The 33-year-old and Taylor moved into the centre of the ring, where Serrano’s power and variety of punches had the defending champion in trouble – almost out on her feet.
Neither woman had ever been knocked down ahead of this bout, however, and Taylor was able to draw on reserves of resilience to make it through the round and even win the final few at least. The result was left to the judges, who scored the fight 96-94 to Serrano, 97-93 to Taylor, and 96-93 to Taylor. As such, Taylor remained unbeaten and retained her undisputed lightweight title as the Madison Square Garden crowd erupted with noise.
Re-live updates from Taylor vs Serrano and the undercard, below.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Here comes Taylor. Serrano looked very relaxed; Taylor looks very focused.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Serrano is out first, a great reaction.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Puerto Rico, Ireland, and the United States’ national anthems are all sung.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Liam Smith def. Jessie Vargas via 10th-round TKO (0:41).
A big win for the Briton!
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Vargas vs Smith – Round 10
It’s all over! Smith goes hunting early in the round, and the referee steps in as Vargas shells up against the ropes!
Smith gets the TKO win!
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Vargas vs Smith – Round 9
Jab, jab, jab, and a vicious left hook from Smith.
The Briton seems to be closing in on the finish; the referee is standing very close by...
Vargas is able to fight back with some winging right hooks, though!
Still, the American is unstable on his feet after a series of brutal head and body punches from Smith.
Vargas’ corner tell him they love him and that they’re ready to stop the fight if they need to.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Vargas vs Smith – Round 8
Vargas’ team wanted him to stick behind the jab, but he’s not doing that and they’re telling him.
All that can be said at the moment is that, with Vargas having moved up a round, he’s able to take a shot.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Vargas vs Smith – Round 7
Smith is taking over. He lands a clean right straight then a left uppercut – beautiful.
Vargas is fighting back, but in certain moments a lack of confidence seems to be creeping through into his expressions and body language.
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