Katie Taylor requests Amanda Serrano rematch despite epic New York win in ‘absolute war’ | Boxing | Sport

Katie Taylor has already called for a rematch with Amanda Serrano despite beating her Puerto Rican rival in a bout for the ages in New York. Taylor, 35, retained her status as the undisputed world lightweight champion, taking a split decision after being up on two cards by 97-93 and 96-93 margins, with one judge scoring it 96-94 to Serrano.

It was the first time two females had headlined Madison Square Garden and the fight lived up to its billing in front of a sell-out crowd. It was Serrano who was the aggressor in the opening stages but then Taylor began to take control, and in the penultimate ninth round clearly hurt her bloodied opponent before a grandstand finish.

The final minute saw both fighters swinging frantically at each other, in what was a remarkable show of endurance and courage following a draining encounter. You could have cut the tension with a knife as both camps awaited the verdict, and it was the Irish icon left celebrating.

The night proved a monumental success for Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn, with the Matchroom boss promptly proposing a second bout between the pair in Taylor’s homeland. Dublin’s Croke Park was mentioned as a potential venue, in what would surely prove another monumental and historic night for women’s boxing.

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