The final chapter in a rivalry deemed monumental for boxing, particularly the women`s side of the sport, recently concluded. Katie Taylor faced Amanda Serrano for the third time, closing the book on a series that had already etched itself into the history books. This wasn`t just another fight; it was the culmination of a narrative built on contrasting styles, shared determination, and an unexpected strategic shift in the final act that proved decisive.
The Foundation: Thrills, Brawls, and Elevated Status
Looking back at the first two encounters between Taylor and Serrano reveals a fascinating paradox. Katie Taylor, known for her slick boxing skills and movement, largely engaged Amanda Serrano, a relentless pressure fighter and power puncher, on her own terms. The results were two extraordinarily thrilling, back-and-forth battles that could have arguably gone either way. These were not cautious, measured contests; they were high-octane brawls that captivated audiences.
And boxing, specifically women`s boxing, reaped immense rewards. The first fight, headlining Madison Square Garden, shattered perceptions and proved women could command the sport`s biggest stages. The rematch, aired on Netflix as a co-main event to a global spectacle, reached millions of viewers, becoming arguably the most-watched women`s sporting event in history. These fights weren`t just contests of skill and will; they were catalysts, injecting unprecedented visibility and excitement into the sport.
Taylor`s willingness to step into the fire, against the advice of her corner and promoter, arguably sacrificed an easier path to victory in those initial bouts. Yet, it was precisely this bravery, this embrace of the brawl, that forged the rivalry`s legendary status and built the massive platform for the trilogy.
The Climax: A Calculated Approach Pays Off
The third fight presented a different narrative. This time, Katie Taylor finally listened to her team. Instead of engaging in the phone booth battle that characterized the first two fights, Taylor employed a strategic masterclass built on movement, speed, and technical precision. It was the game plan her corner had initially envisioned for the first encounter.
The result? A definitive majority decision victory for Taylor, bringing her record against Serrano to 3-0 and emphatically settling the debate over who is the superior fighter in this particular pairing. Her promoter noted with perhaps a hint of exasperation, “For once, she listened.” This calculated approach, while potentially less thrilling for fans craving another war, showcased Taylor`s adaptability and technical brilliance, allowing her to control distance and neutralize Serrano`s pressure more effectively.
Serrano`s Gamble: A Strategic Misfire
Conversely, Amanda Serrano approached the third fight with her own strategic adjustment. Eschewing her signature relentless aggression, she attempted to box more, relying on distance and longer punches. The rationale seemed to be “work smarter, not harder,” hoping to avoid the close, punishing exchanges of the first two bouts where she felt she wasn`t getting the decision.
However, this strategic shift proved unsuccessful. Against a Taylor who was actively boxing and moving, Serrano`s less aggressive approach lacked the volume and intensity needed to cut off the ring or force Taylor into uncomfortable positions. While punch stats showed Serrano throwing more, Taylor`s precision and higher connect percentage on power shots highlighted the effectiveness of her strategy. The attempt to outbox a master boxer on the night was a gamble that simply didn`t pay off, leading to a performance that fell flat compared to the epic wars that preceded it.
Beyond the Headliners: New Stars Emerge
While the Taylor-Serrano trilogy rightly dominated the headlines, the event itself, staged on the massive platform created by the rivalry, offered significant opportunities for other fighters. One name that seized this moment was Shadasia Green.
Signed by Jake Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions with the goal of development, Green had experienced setbacks in her career, including a prior title challenge loss and a less-than-stellar performance on a recent undercard. Stepping into the ring against the highly-regarded former undisputed champion Savannah Marshall as a betting underdog, expectations were tempered.
Despite an early point deduction for holding, Green found a spark. She engaged Marshall in a competitive, entertaining battle, ultimately securing a hard-fought split decision victory. This upset wasn`t just a personal triumph; it catapulted Green into a prime position. Her performance earned her a significant bonus and, more importantly, set the stage for a potentially massive showdown against the sport`s pound-for-pound queen, Claressa Shields. The business and competitive sense of a Shields vs. Green fight, facilitated by MVP`s willingness to work with Shields, represents exactly the kind of high-stakes matchup women`s boxing needs to continue its growth.
A Trilogy`s Lasting Impact
The Taylor-Serrano trilogy concludes with Katie Taylor solidifying her status as one of the greats, demonstrating both her warrior spirit in the first two fights and her tactical brilliance in the third. Amanda Serrano, while losing the series, played an indispensable role in creating the platform and delivering performances that demanded attention. The event as a whole, bolstered by compelling undercard stories like Shadasia Green`s upset, reinforces the significant progress and bright future of women`s boxing, proving it can deliver compelling narratives, strategic battles, and mainstream appeal on the biggest stages.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow