The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Taylor puts belts on the line in Serrano rematch ‘world has wanted to see’
Boxer Katie Taylor is relishing “the rematch the world has wanted to see” after it was announced she will defend her status as undisputed world lightwelterweight champion against Amanda Serrano on July 20.
The rivals made history as the first female fighters to headline at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden two years ago, with Taylor prevailing by split decision in an all-action lightweight contest.
A return bout will take place at 140lb as the comain event to Jake Paul v Mike Tyson at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium being broadcast by Netflix.
It is set to be the third live sports event shown by the streaming giant following a celebrity golf event last November and a tennis exhibition between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal in March.
“This is the rematch the world has wanted to see and I’m delighted that it’s finally happening,” 37-year-old Taylor said.
“The first fight in New York was obviously an epic occasion and it more than lived up to the billing, and I’m sure the rematch will be no different.”
Taylor captured the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO light-welterweight titles in November by outpointing Chantelle Cameron, who handed the Irish fighter her first professional defeat six months earlier.
Serrano, who has won world titles in seven weight divisions, stepped back down to featherweight after losing to Taylor and has won all four fights since then.
“I promised my fans they would see this rematch after we made history at MSG,” said 35-year-old Serrano.
“It feels like a dream come true to know that Katie and I are finally making it happen on the biggest stage possible to show the world what elite women’s boxing is all about.”