Written by Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano face off
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are ready to do it one more time.
On Friday night in New York City, Taylor and Serrano will share the ring for the third time, the culmination of a rivalry that has reshaped women’s boxing, elevating it to new heights. Their first bout was the first women’s boxing match to headline Madison Square Garden, while the rematch last year was reportedly the most-watched women’s professional sporting event in United States history. And now both women are locked in for one last dance.
On Thursday at the ceremonial weigh-ins, Taylor and Serrano shared a respectful final face-off before giving their final statements before the big fight.
“The official prediction is it’s going to be another iconic night,” Taylor said. “We’ve put on two iconic fights already. Amanda is a fantastic champion. We have a lot of respect towards each other, and we just feel so, so honored to be headlining such an amazing card. This is the highlight of my career. So tomorrow night we’re going to put it all on the line again, we’re going to give it our all, and it’s going to be another epic fight, so tune in.”
Though Taylor won both of the previous fights, both were razor-close, with their first fight earning Fight of the Year honors for many publications. Like Taylor, Serrano promised another barnburner, though this time she hopes to finally get the win that’s eluded her.
“I need to go out there and do what I do, and that’s fight,” Serrano said. “Listen, you guys know what we’re capable of doing. It’s going to be no less than that come tomorrow night. We’re going to give it our all. … I’m a warrior, she’s a warrior. You guys are in for a tremendous treat. It’s always an honor to share that ring with Katie Taylor, and come tomorrow night, it’s going to be a great night.
“Third time is the charm. I see myself and my hand raised in victory. I trained 12 hard weeks for this fight. It’s going to be a great night and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.”
Taylor vs. Serrano 3 goes down Friday, broadcast on Netflix, with prelims starting at 5 p.m. ET and the main card kicking off at 8 p.m. ET.