Katie Taylor successfully defended her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and IBO light-welterweight titles against Amanda Serrano on Friday night, but the match has sparked controversy. Following the fight, both fighters will undergo a mandatory rest period of at least 30 days in accordance with Texas regulations.
Taylor, 38, secured her victory through a unanimous decision in the co-main event of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The judges scored the bout 95-94 in favor of Taylor, but the decision has led to debates, particularly after a point was deducted from Taylor for a head collision in the eighth round that worsened a pre-existing cut.
Serrano expressed her dissatisfaction in the ring after the fight, stating, “I knew when it went to the judges, it was going to be a little shady. I chose to fight. I went up three divisions. I lost in two and I dared to be great tonight. I am the featherweight champion of the world. … She kept headbutting me, and we knew that from the very beginning.”
Taylor responded to the accusations of foul play during a post-fight press conference, insisting the head clashes were accidental. “It was completely accidental. I’m in there fighting like she is, and it’s a rough sport. Sometimes you get head clashes; you have to fight through those things. This is the fight game,” she said.
As per the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, both Taylor and Serrano are required to take a 30-day suspension following their intense ten-round match, as fighters must rest three days for each round fought. Potential injuries could extend this hiatus based on medical assessments.
This match was not the first encounter between Taylor and Serrano; in April 2022, Taylor defended her lightweight titles against Serrano at Madison Square Garden, winning by split decision after another challenging ten rounds.
Meanwhile, in the evening’s main event, Jake Paul improved his professional boxing record to 11-1, defeating Tyson in a unanimous decision after eight rounds. At 58 years old, Tyson struggled throughout the match against the 31-year-old Paul.
Credit: The Mirror
