Taylor-Serrano rematch set for undercard of Mike Tyson-Jake Paul
Women's undisputed junior welterweight title on line in heavily anticipated sequel to an all-time classic battle
A note to Fight Freaks Unite readers: I created Fight Freaks Unite in January 2021 and eight months later it also became available for paid subscriptions for additional content — and as a way to help keep this newsletter going and for readers to support independent journalism. If you haven’t upgraded to a paid subscription please consider it. If you have already, I truly appreciate it! Also, consider a gift subscription for the Fight Freak in your life.
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, who waged an unforgettable fight in the highest-profile women’s boxing match in history in 2022, will meet in a long-awaited rematch, Most Valuable Promotions announced on Tuesday.
Taylor will defend the undisputed junior welterweight title against Serrano on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the co-feature of the bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, the MVP co-founder, although whether Tyson-Paul is an official fight or an exhibition has not yet been announced. The card will stream live on Netflix.
“This is the rematch the world has wanted to see and I’m delighted that it’s finally happening,” 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. I’m looking forward to defending my titles as undisputed world champion.”
Help me celebrate the start of my 25th year of full-time boxing coverage by upgrading to a paid subscription for full access to all posts and comments — and also support independent journalism.
The addition of Taylor-Serrano II, a fight the public has clamored for, to a card with Tyson-Paul is enormous, especially for a non-pay-per-view card.
“When we announced Paul versus Tyson, we stated that this would be the most-watched boxing event in modern boxing history and we’re here to deliver on a card worthy of that greatness,” MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Paul said in a joint statement. “Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor have proven they are two of the biggest names in the sport, male or female and their rematch is one of the biggest fights in boxing, so it’s only fitting for them to be a part of this massive global event.
“Anyone who witnessed their first battle knows the unforgettable atmosphere and performance Amanda and Katie bring when they step into the ring together, and this is sure to be a fight of the year contender again. Bringing attention to women’s boxing has always been a priority for MVP and we are thrilled to give the world’s most-anticipated women’s boxing fight ever a crowning moment on Netflix.”
On April 30, 2022, Taylor, then the undisputed lightweight champion, won a disputed split decision over Serrano, the unified featherweight champion moving up in weight.
What was not disputed was that the bout was an instant classic, perhaps the best in women’s fight in boxing history, and that it was not only the first female fight to headline at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden but they sold out the arena.
Serrano, who has won world titles in a women’s record seven divisions, would go on to become the undisputed featherweight champion and a rematch with Taylor was scheduled for May 20, 2023. However, Serrano, who was dealing with various injuries, withdrew from the fight in February.
Taylor wanted to preserve her May date and quickly came to terms to move up in weight and challenge Chantelle Cameron, who was then the undisputed junior welterweight champion. Taylor lost a majority decision in a rousing battle on par with Taylor-Serrano in her Irish homecoming and then invoked her right to an immediate rematch. In the sequel, which was yet another epic battle, Taylor won the title by majority decision in November, again in Dublin, Ireland, in the 2023 Fight Freaks Unite women’s fight of the year.
There were plans for a trilogy fight with Cameron, but Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), 37, had a change of heart and her promoter, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, was able to work out a deal with Bidarian for the rematch with Serrano.
“I promised my fans they would see this rematch after we made history at MSG and 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,” Serrano said.
Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), 35, a Puerto Rican southpaw, has won four featherweight championship fights in a row since the loss to Taylor and will move up three divisions for the rematch. Serrano won the WBO junior welterweight title in 2018 but never defended it.
The rematch with Taylor will be Serrano’s first fight since she was slated to headline in a mandatory defense against Nina Meinke on March 2 in a San Juan homecoming fight only to have the bout canceled in the dressing room. Serrano had gotten her hair done two days before the fight but a chemical used in her hair got into her eye, badly irritating it. Her eye was still bothering her when she arrived at the arena for the fight, leading to an exam by the commission doctor, who would not clear her.
In recent fights, Serrano has insisted on boxing under the same rules as men, meaning 12-round fights with three-minute rounds rather than 10 two-minute rounds, which is the female standard. She has been so insistent on it that she vacated the WBC featherweight title because the organization will not sanction a bout under those conditions.
However, Taylor wants to fight as she always has, which is under the usual female rules, and since Serrano is challenging for her belts — and undoubtedly making a career-payday — she agreed.
“While my focus continues to be on giving women the choice to fight with the same rules as men, I’ve always said that this is the one fight I’d go back to 10x2 for if that’s what Katie wanted,” Serrano said. “I’m coming for her belts. She wants 10x2, so that’s what we will do. I believe I won our first fight, but I didn’t get the decision, so this time I’m not leaving it to the judges.
“I am honored to share this iconic MVP card in the biggest stadium, on the biggest streaming platform in the world. Thank you Nakisa, Jake, Mike and Netflix for making this happen. And to all the young girls and women watching, I want you to know that anything is possible. Keep dreaming, keep working hard, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. It took me 15 years of blood, sweat and tears to get here, but it’s all worth it because I’m living my dreams.”
Tyson said he was excited to share his card with Taylor-Serrano II.
“Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are two of the best boxers in the world,” the former undisputed heavyweight champion said. “I know they can both put on an incredible show, and I’m thrilled to have them join this card. These remarkable athletes will undoubtedly elevate the event with their global appeal and fan bases. Adding one of the greatest fights in women's boxing history to this unforgettable event is a true gift to fans. Saturday, July 20 can’t get here soon enough.”
A note to subscribers
I sincerely appreciate your readership. If you’re reading, it means you love boxing just like I do. If you’ve been reading you also know the quality and quantity of what I produce. It’s one-stop shopping. Read the newsletters and there is no need to search multiple websites or click a multitude of links to get the latest news, opinion and detailed fight schedule. Everything you need is in one spot and delivered directly to your inbox (or via phone alert if you download for free the superb Substack app). You don’t have to hunt for the news; it comes to you.
I believe that is worth something, so while I will continue providing stories, notes and the schedule for free, I encourage you to upgrade to a paid subscription for the most content. A paid subscription is your way of keeping this reader-supported newsletter going and supporting independent journalism. I am beholden to no network, promoter, manager, sanctioning body or fighter. If you have read my work at all during the past 24 years I’ve covered professional boxing you know that I keep it real and that will not change.
To upgrade your subscription please go here:
Thank you so much for your support of Fight Freaks Unite!
Photos: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danrafael1/
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanRafael1
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanRafaelBoxing
Agree. Before, it was like whatever, but NOW.....Let's go!! #teamserrano 🥊🥊🥊
This card now has my full attention ..