Serrano

Amanda Serrano Goes Undisputed To Set Up Katie Taylor Rematch

Written by Jared Parry on 5th February 2023.

Amanda Serrano set up a rematch with Katie Taylor was confirmed when became undisputed featherweight champion with a unanimous points decision victory over Erika Cruz in New York.

‘The Real Deal’ overcame a bruising encounter with Cruz to become undisputed champion with the judge’s scorecards reading 98-92, 98-92, and 97-93 in the Puerta Rican’s favour.

Both women came out firing from the opening bell and this set the scene for the fight. Something had to give, and in round three the fighters got too close as an accidental head clash resulted in a large cut to Cruz, who responded well as she continued to fight at a high pace.

Serrano saw an opening in round six and almost sent Cruz to the canvas. However, Cruz, yet again, fought back through the crimson mask to keep herself in the fight.

The final rounds of the fight could’ve been fought in a phone box, as the pair stood in close quarters and let their hands go. Cruz did touch down in round 10, but it was ruled a push.

Serrano got the result, however, Cruz’s spirited effort was highly commended and she will definitely return at the top level. ‘The Real Deal’ said she wasn’t expecting anything less from Cruz.

“Erika was a Mexican champion, she worked hard, that’s what we trained for, I didn’t expect anything less than what she gave me this night.

“They sent me back to basics and I was listening to my corner who asked me to go 1-2, which worked.”

Following the bout, Serrano was joined in the ring by one of the greatest female boxers of this generation and former opponent, Katie Taylor. It was then announced that Taylor and Serrano will be running back there 2022 epic on May 20th in Dublin.

Taylor will be fighting in her home country for the first time in her career and is delighted that the Puerta Rican will be the opponent for the historic night.

“This is more than a dream come true,

“My debut in Ireland against Amanda Serrano, ‘The Real Deal’ Amanda Serrano. This is incredible. The last fight was epic, and I expect nothing less for the next one.”

A venue has not yet been confirmed for Taylor and Serrano’s rematch, but it has been widely reported that the 3Arena will play host.

Promoter Eddie Hearn was looking to stage the bout at Croke Park, but negotiations fell through due to “security costs.” However, Ireland’s UFC superstar Conor McGregor has offered to sponsor the event to cover the security bill.