Nick Peet: Taylor vs Serrano 3 Preview

USUALLY, when sporting rivalries reach trilogy stages the outcome is to define once and for all which athlete or team is superior. Who has finally got the other’s number.

But when Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano collide inside Madison Square Garden live in Netflix on Friday night, the outcome won’t be the defining moment in either legacy.

Quite simply, BOTH Taylor and Serrano will remain leading candidates for the mythical title of boxing’s greatest female of all time, regardless of whose hand is raised in New York City.

The fact their third and final match-up headlines a landmark all-female world title laden card inside the most iconic sporting arena on the planet is testament enough of the calibre of both fighters.

Taylor and Serrano are both future Hall of Fame fighters. And their sporting rivalry, whilst physically skewed in favour of the former, is the greatest rivalry in female boxing history.

IRISH IDOL

Taylor, 39, is the poster girl for Irish sport. A five-time Amateur World Champion, London 2012 Olympic gold medallist and two-weight world champion as a professional.

Taylor is likely the biggest star women’s boxing has ever seen and deservedly credited with raising the profile of female boxing on a global scale.

Friday will be her 18th consecutive world title fight, but much more than that, she’s never ever in a dull fight.

She went to war with Delfine Persoon, Natasha Jonas and both Serrano and Chantelle Cameron twice each, emerging every time as the ultimate victor.

Without Katie Taylor, women’s boxing would likely still be fighting for slots on undercards of male-dominated TV cards in far flung corners.

‘The Bray Bomber’ led this generation to multi-million-dollar paycheques and headline slots at iconic locations.

THE REAL DEAL

However, every great champion needs a great rival to determine their legacy and, whilst Taylor has had a couple of foes push her hard, this rivalry with Serrano takes top billing.

If you think Katie’s career is impressive, you haven’t read nothing yet.

Serrano, 36, is a veteran of 20 world title fights in her illustrious 51-fight boxing career.

The Puerto Rican has picked up world titles in SEVEN weight classes, all the way from super-fly (115lb) to super-lightweight (140lb).

Anyone, anywhere, anytime and any weight – Serrano is the most skilful and successful female fighter ever to step between the ropes.

And, she customarily wins in style too. Before Taylor came along, her world title campaign was ruled by first round knockouts and one-sided beatdowns.

THE TRILOGY

Whilst Taylor has won both of their previous contests, the first fight at lightweight in 2022 was a split decision in her favour, but truly could have been called either way.

Last year’s rematch, inside an 80,000-seater football stadium in Texas, felt like Serrano’s night, but again the judges went with Taylor.

In reality, after seeing them fight for 20 rounds already, it’s almost impossible to choose between them.

A fact made so much more remarkable when you factor Serrano is fighting a couple of weight classes above her natural division.

Once again, expect southpaw Serrano to set a hot pace. She throws punches in bunches from all angles and has a super chin to back up her arsenal.

Taylor too, loves a scrap, but at 39 and with so many wars under her belt, every round now is far tougher than they were earlier in her career.

But bite down, she always will.

After two truly memorable fights already, Friday’s trilogy bout won’t define who is better than the other, it will simply add another iconic night to two of the most iconic careers.

Serrano deserves her moment in this rivalry. It’s most certainly overdue.

But fate doesn’t decide prizefights, judge’s do.

TIP: Taylor on Points