WHATEVER you do this weekend, don’t miss Katie Taylor’s big finish in New York City!

Madison Square Garden hosts a women’s main event for the first time as Taylor and Amanda Serrano collide in what is anticipated to be the biggest women’s boxing match in history.

An iconic match-up like this demands the appropriate dance partners and they don’t come much bigger or better than the two ladies in the headliner.

Five-time amateur World champion and two-weight professional kingpin Taylor is arguably the biggest name the sport has ever seen. She’s a pioneer; after signing with a leading promoter, she’s headlined or featured on most of the big Matchroom cards of late, bringing more eyeballs to female boxer than any fighter before her.

Similarly, Serrano is the only woman ever to win world titles in more than four weight classes. In total she’s won nine reputable world title belts across seven weight divisions; from super-flyweight (8st 2lb) all the way up to light-welter (10st).

All four of Taylor’s lightweight world titles will be on the line this weekend, plus the coveted Ring magazine belt and the prestige of being unequivocally boxing’s pound-for-pound #1 female fighter.

Taylor, 35, is undefeated as a pro, her 20-0 ledger built up over six action-packed years. She sets a high tempo that most opponents can’t live with and, whilst she may not carry concussive power, her punches in bunches blitzkrieg style overwhelms her foes.

The Irish superstar has started to slow down, however, and show signs of wear and tear recently. Perhaps the most controversial decision of her career also took place inside MSG, but was overshadowed by events that unfolded shortly after.

Before an inquest into her 2019 points win over Delphine Persoon could even begin, Anthony Joshua lost his unbeaten record and heavyweight riches to Andy Ruiz in the main event, meaning Taylor’s controversial victory was largely swept under the carpet.

Don’t get me wrong, Katie bounced back the following summer and silenced her critics in a return albeit in Eddie Hearn’s garden. But the few chinks in her armour had been exposed.

Taylor has racked up a further four defences of her undisputed lightweight crown since, even keeping to her three fights a year minimum during a global pandemic. But those defences were routine compared to the task at hand on Saturday.

Brooklyn-raised Puerto Rican Serrano followed sister Cindy into the pro ranks shortly after winning the US Golden Gloves in 2008.

The 33-year-old fought for her first world title, suffering the only loss of her career, way back in April 2012 – four months before Taylor’s gold medal heroics at the London Olympics.

Now 42-1-1, Serrano has come a long way in her 13-year career. From burner undercards in the Dominican Republic to the main event at The Garden, unlike Taylor, Serrano has ploughed boxing’s long and winding road to get to reach its summit.

A power puncher, southpaw Serrano boasts a knockout rate near 70% – Taylor’s is 30% – but she also has the silky skills and fluid footwork of a champion deserving of her place in the history books.

Three years ago, I believe this fight has a different outcome. But time waist for no man – or woman.

Taylor has the pedigree to rise to the occasion and meet Serrano head on in the centre of the ring. But the native New Yorker appears that bit fresher, that little bit sharper.

The first half of the fight should be close, but Amanda will up the pace from six and leave ageing Taylor punching at shadows when it matters most.

Regardless of outcome, don’t be surprised if Katie retires in the Big Apple. She’s spent the best part of three decades in boxing gloves and hanging them up after a night of historical importance is fitting for a fighter who has done so much for the sport.

TIP: Serrano on Points