KATIE TAYLOR has beaten Amanda Serrano by a contested split-decision victory at Madison Square Garden.
The thrilling fight was the biggest women's boxing bout in history as the undisputed lightweight clash headlined the iconic New York arena.
Taylor was ROCKED in the fifth round, but fought back in stunning fashion to recover in the latter rounds.
And in even better news, both have already agreed to a rematch in Taylor's native Ireland.
- James Orr
Paul and Hearn want rematch
Both Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn have both spoken about a rematch after that classic.
Paul promotes Amanda Serrano, while Hearn promotes Katie Taylor.
Paul said: “It was a draw at best.
“But kudos to Katie Taylor and kudos to Amanda Serrano.
“Let’s run it back later this year.
“The rematch is even bigger now.”
- James Orr
Taylor celebrations
Jubilant scenes inside the ring at Madison Square Garden as Taylor celebrates.
What a comeback after that brutal fifth round.
- James Orr
Rematch in Ireland?
Eddie Hearn says the rematch has to happen..in Ireland.
And Paul agrees, saying: "Let's run it back in Ireland."
Croke Park mooted for it.
- James Orr
Jake Paul speaks on the fight
Amanda Serrano's promoter Jake Paul said: "It was a draw at best.
"But kudos to Katie Taylor and kudos to Amanda Serrano.
"Let's run it back later this year.
"The rematch is even bigger now."
- James Orr
Rematch agreed
And both fighters have agreed to have a rematch live in the ring!
Sensational fight.
Let's do it again next year?
- James Orr
Taylor speaks
Katie Taylor has been full of praise for "wonderful person" Amanda Serrano.
Huge respect between the pair at the end.
Serrano said: "Women can sell, women can fight, We put on a hell of a show."
- James Orr
Taylor wins! Taylor wins!
The judges scorecards are in… and Katie Taylor has WON the biggest women's boxing fight in history by a split-decision!
They scored it: 96-94 – Serrano, 97-93 – Taylor, 96-93 – Taylor.
Let's run it back!
- James Orr
Round 10 – Taylor vs Serrano
Serrano is CUT in the final round as both fighters absolutely throw bombs.
The last minute of the fight has been just relentless punches from both sides.
Another good round for Taylor though but she's rocked right at the end. This is going to be very close as we go the judges decision…
- James Orr
Round 9 – Taylor vs Serrano
Another great round for Taylor! What incredible heart she is showing.
She has found her second wind.
It is so close. How are the judges seeing this?
Taylor needs another big round we head into the FINAL round…
- James Orr
Round 8 – Taylor vs Serrano
An improved round for Taylor in the eighth.
Is Serrano tiring?
Somehow Taylor has found her legs again at Madison Square Garden!
- James Orr
Round 7 – Taylor vs Serrano
The power punches continue to come from Serrano.
They may have quite equal punch stats but the hurtful blows have come from the challenger.
Taylor is falling well behind in this.
- James Orr
Round 6 – Taylor vs Serrano
Incredible scenes here. Taylor is very clearly rocked from that fifth-round onslaught in the previous round but the champ is still throwing punches.
What a fight! And we head into the final three rounds of nothing short of a classic.
- James Orr
Round 5 – Taylor vs Serrano
Sensational start to the round. They could be fighting in a phonebox here!
Taylor is HURT! Serrano has stiffened the legs of Taylor! The Irish star holds on…just.
HUGE round for Serrano in the fifth. She lands 44, yes 44, punches there.
- James Orr
Round 4 – Taylor vs Serrano
Taylor landing more shots but the heavier blows coming from the challenger Serrano.
But which way will the judges be scoring this?
The round ends a cut visible above Taylor's right eye.
- James Orr
Round 3 – Taylor vs Serrano
The referee couldn't even HEAR the bell with the 50/50 crowd so loud at MSG.
All action round there with both fighters connecting as the bout starts to get scrappier.
Taylor landed 19 punches to Serrano's 15 in that round alone.
- James Orr
Round 2 – Taylor vs Serrano
Serrano yet to find her range but she's get closer and closer to connect with the power punches.
A right jab and a solid left brushed Taylor as she jumped back out of trouble.
Flying by here as we head into round 3.
- James Orr
Round 1 – Taylor vs Serrano
Great opening round from Taylor. She's started at rapid pace.
Serrano trying the more measured approach, stalking down her opponent but receives a couple of counter rights for her trouble.
What an atmosphere at MSG!
- James Orr
Taylor vs Serrano
The pair touch gloves after the referee gives his instructions.
And we are off!
The first ever women's boxing match to headline Madison Square Garden is finally amongst us.
- James Orr
David Diamante gives the introductions
A slow and methodical ring walk there from Katie Taylor.
"Ole, ole, ole, ole" echos around the arena from the frenzied crowd.
We're underway NOW!
- James Orr
Katie Taylor makes her ring walk
The undisputed lightweight world champion Katie Taylor is walking out RIGHT NOW at Madison Square Garden for the historic headliner.
Irish flags all over MSG!
- James Orr
Amanda Serrano makes her entrance
Out comes the challenger Amanda Serrano first up.
Flanked by her promoter Jake Paul here comes the Real Deal.
The crowd are going WILD!
- James Orr
The National anthems are being sung
Goosebumps in Madison Square Garden as the Puerto Rican, Irish and US national anthems are sung.
Atmosphere is reaching fever pitch!
Ring walks imminent.
- James Orr
The Rock tweets
The Rock is watching the historic fight tonight.
The WWE superstar-turned-Hollywood A-lister tweeted: "What a monumental, defining and historic night in boxing. Been enjoying this build up. So happy for and proud of @KatieTaylor @Serranosisters + all the women of boxing. Long overdue, but inspiring to see. LFG!!! @EddieHearn @jakepaul @DAZNBoxing"
- James Orr
Taylor vs Serrano up next
Sweet Caroline is ringing around Madison Square Garden which can only mean one thing…
The main event is up NEXT!
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano for the undisputed lightweight world titles.
Here we go!
- James Orr
Smith beats Vargas
Huge victory for Liam Smith as the chief support to Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano.
The 33-year-old Englishman is back in the world title mix now.
Next up it's MAIN EVENT time when Taylor faces Serrano in the first women's boxing match to headline Madison Square Garden.
Source: Read Full Article