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Taylor and Serrano Rivalry Intensifies Ahead of Highly Anticipated Trilogy Bout
As Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano prepare for the climactic third encounter in their epic boxing rivalry this summer, the amicable pre-fight demeanor that characterized their previous clashes appears to have dissolved. Their upcoming boxing trilogy fight is generating significant buzz, especially after tensions escalated at the recent press conference in New York City. Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes rematch at Madison Square Garden.
From Respect to Spite: A Shift in Tone
Given the exceptional quality displayed in the ring during their initial two contests, and with both fighters already firmly established as legends in the sport, a descent into animosity seemed unnecessary for the Taylor vs Serrano narrative. However, Wednesday’s press conference in New York City, promoting their July 11 trilogy bout, witnessed precisely such a transformation.
Serrano’s persistent objections to the contentious judging decisions, which currently place her at a 2-0 deficit, are clearly beginning to irritate Taylor. Both previous matches were closely fought and ultimately awarded to Taylor via scorecard victories. The second bout, although declared a unanimous decision, was perceived by many as more debatable, with Serrano maintaining that the score should reflect a draw after their most recent brutal battle in November.
Dispute Over Round Duration Sparks Verbal Sparring
An inquiry regarding Taylor’s disinclination to transition to three-minute rounds, instead of the standard two-minute rounds in women’s boxing, ignited the unexpected discord at the packed Theater at Madison Square Garden. It became evident that cordiality would be scarce in the lead-up to this fight.
‘The challenger should not be dictating the terms of engagement,’ the esteemed Irish boxer asserted. ‘I hold a 2-0 advantage, placing me in the dominant position, as is rightful.’
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She further emphasized, ‘Ultimately, Amanda requires this fight considerably more than I do.’
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano’s rivalry has taken a bitter turn leading up to their trilogy fight.
Serrano discussed her unexpected clash of words with the Irish boxing icon in an interview.
‘You cannot proclaim yourself a genuine fighter while consistently avoiding three-minute rounds,’ Serrano retorted. ‘I respect you, but we did have a verbal agreement on this.’
She further added, ‘You are aware that an additional minute in each round would not favor you.’
Taylor Dismisses Serrano as ‘Delusional’
Taylor, perhaps aiming to achieve a final milestone by engaging in pre-fight trash talk for the first time in her career, labeled her rival ‘delusional’ as tensions flared concerning the outcome of their last match.
Following the press conference, she continued the war of words, denouncing the ‘nonsense’ emanating from both Serrano and her outspoken manager, Jake Paul.
Speaking to news outlets, the undisputed super-lightweight champion stated: ‘Enough is enough of the ridiculousness over recent weeks and months.’
‘I am simply weary of the absurd remarks originating from their camp and all the justifications. I eagerly anticipate their reaction after I defeat her again on July 11. All of these comments are preposterous.’
When questioned about the specific triggers for her annoyance, Taylor elaborated: ‘It is primarily her assertion of winning the fight. She did not win the fight. Reviewing the contest objectively, it is clear she was not victorious. I am 2-0, and I am quite certain I will improve that to 3-0 on July 11.’
‘I believe she genuinely harbors the delusion that she won,’ she concluded, explaining her ‘delusional’ remark.
Serrano Defends Judging Disagreement
Serrano, on her part, emphasized that her disagreement with the judges’ scoring in November should not be interpreted as mere childishness.
Taylor, victorious in both prior encounters via contentious decisions, criticized her opponent’s claims.
The undisputed super-lightweight champion maintains she performed better in their last contest.
Serrano, holding a different view, also taunted Taylor regarding her reluctance to engage in three-minute rounds.
‘I genuinely believe I won both fights,’ she contended. ‘The first was closely contested, but in the second, I believed I won decisively. I anticipated the scorecards reflecting my performance, but they did not.’
‘And this is not mere complaining or whining… not at all. I am not alone in this assessment. How many millions witnessed that fight and share the same opinion?’
‘Honestly, if I received a dollar for every person who affirmed my victory, I would not necessitate fighting this rematch.’
Headgear Stunt Highlights Headbutt Accusations
Paul then interjected, affirming Serrano’s sentiment: ‘Absolutely. For weeks afterward, countless individuals approached me in public, proclaiming, “Amanda won!”‘
Another sensitive point of contention is Taylor’s alleged use of her head in the rematch, which Serrano asserts caused the severe laceration she sustained midway through their battle at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium.
As a visual jab related to the alleged headbutts, the Puerto Rican fighter donned headgear during their face-off on Wednesday, a tactic that failed to impress Taylor.
‘That is simply more absurdity, isn’t it,’ she exclaimed, dismissing Serrano’s actions. ‘She is making a spectacle of herself at this point.’
Addressing the accusations of leading with her head, Taylor clarified: ‘I do not believe anyone genuinely perceives them as anything beyond accidental clashes. Such incidents are inherent in boxing, particularly when a southpaw engages an orthodox fighter. We both moved forward simultaneously when attempting to strike. I too sustained a cut from those headbutts; they also impacted my head.’
Serrano escalated the psychological warfare by wearing headgear, referencing her headbutt accusations against Taylor.
‘Paradoxically, she avows a willingness to die in the ring, yet simultaneously complains about incidental headbutts. The hypocrisy is evident. She should simply focus on the fight and execute her strategy.’
Anticipation Builds for Trilogy Showdown
Irrespective of this newfound hostility, the Taylor and Serrano trilogy fight is widely expected to deliver compelling action once the animosity subsides and the two elite rivals enter the ring to showcase their exceptional abilities.
Their past encounters have been characterized by such brutal and intensely competitive exchanges that it seemed almost unfair for either fighter to emerge with a defeat on their record in each instance. Their third meeting is anticipated to generate similar excitement as they return to Madison Square Garden, the venue of their initial memorable clash, completing a full circle in their rivalry.
However, when questioned about strategies to counter Taylor’s alleged headbutts and secure a victory in their third encounter, Amanda could not resist further psychological tactics.
‘Wear headgear…’ she quipped.