Katie Taylor hails third Amanda Serrano fight as ‘highlight’ of career

By PA Sport Staff

Katie Taylor described her third meeting with Amanda Serrano as the “highlight” of her career.

The 39-year-old Irish fighter weighed in at 135.8lb (61.5kg) ahead of defending undisputed world light-welterweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday night.

Taylor beat Serrano, who weighed in at 136lb (61.68kg), via unanimous decision in their last meeting in November, with all three judges awarding her a 95-94 victory.

After Thursday’s weigh-in, Taylor took the opportunity to praise Serrano as a “fantastic” opponent.

“It’s going to be an iconic night, we’ve put on two iconic fights already,” she said.

“Amanda is a fantastic champion, we have a lot of respect toward each other.”

Taylor also thanked her supporters back home in Ireland.

“You guys have been with me through the highs and lows of the sport,” she said.

“From the bottom of my heart, I love you all.”

The pair’s first meeting as a thrilling all-action contest at Madison Square Garden in 2022, which the Irish fighter won by split decision.

The rivals came face to face at a press conference on Wednesday, where Taylor told Serrano she was sick of the Puerto Rican’s “whining and complaining” about the results of their last two bouts.

“The only thing that matters is that I’m 2-0 against her,” Taylor told the press conference.

“I plan on staying unbeaten against her.”

During their last fight, Serrano received a bad cut above her eye in the fourth round, which was attributed to an accidental headbutt.

Taylor was deducted a point in the eighth round after repeatedly being warned against leading with the head.

When asked what she planned on improving in the latest rematch, Serrano said: “I’m gonna use my head, but not the way it was used on me.

“We’re going to be smarter, work smarter.”