Just over three months after the fight that changed women’s boxing forever, Katie Taylor has been chatting about a potential rematch with Amanda Serrano.
Taylor and Serrano became the first women to headline Madison Square Garden in the iconic arena’s history, and it’s safe to say they did not disappoint. In what became a ten-round slugfest, it was the Irishwoman who came out on top, successfully defending her undisputed lightweight titles in a fight of the year contender.
Speaking on Matchroom’s ‘Flash Knockdown’ podcast, Taylor reminisced on what was a magical night for the 2012 Olympic champion.
“It’s absolutely incredible, I mean to be honest I never thought anything would ever surpass the Olympic games or my Olympic medal, but I think that night in Madison Square Garden definitely did surpass it.”
“Definitely the most special moment of my career to date. I think there was 6,000 Irish fans who travelled over for the fight and the atmosphere between the Irish fans and the Puerto Rican fans was incredible.”
“We couldn’t even hear the bell ringing sometimes during the fight because it was so loud in the arena. It was billed as the biggest fight in female history, and we definitely surpassed everybody’s expectations and it was a huge moment for the sport. Just a history making fight.”
As expected, calls for a return were instantaneous from the moment the final bell rung. Not because of any controversial decision, but so fans could witness two of the best to do it go back at it again.
Despite talks for a rematch having got underway, they seemed to fall apart pretty soon after they had begun. Jake Paul, the promoter of the seven-weight world champion Serrano, believes Taylor should come down to Puerto Rican’s division at featherweight, even though the champion has never fought below 130lbs, the super featherweight limit.
Taylor instantly shot down this idea, making her demands for the rematch known.
“At the end of the day, I don’t think I’ve ever heard that in boxing where the champion wins and then they have the rematch at a lower weight division. It’s real nonsense to be quite honest and I don’t know if he’s playing games or if its naivety from him.”
“But obviously the rematch is going to be at 135lbs, I am the champion and if she wants to get the fight back that’s the weight division it’s gonna be at.”
However, the wishes of the fans had looked like they would have to wait when Serrano was scheduled to face former world title challenger Brenda Carabajal on the undercard of Paul’s fight with Hasim Rahman Jr. before it’s cancellation. It’s still unclear on whether Serrano will go on to fight the Argentinian at another date or look to other avenues.
Whatever Serrano decides to do, it seems as though Taylor has already planned out her next move, looking to get back out during the winter, with a crossover fight involving UFC stars Holly Holm or Cris Cyborg two of the names rumoured.
“I am planning to be out by the end of the year probably November/December some time. And it’ll be good to get back and get back in the ring and to get my fight announced.”
“I’ve been in the gym. I think I only had two or three days off after the Serrano fight and I was already back in the gym. I’m just itching to go at this stage.”