Katie Taylor Completes Trilogy As Savannah Marshall Faces Shock Defeat

Katie Taylor completes trilogy with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden

In a highly anticipated boxing showdown at Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor secured a majority decision victory over Amanda Serrano, completing a historic trilogy between the two champions. Taylor, defending her undisputed super-lightweight titles (WBO, WBC, IBF, and WBA), won with judges scoring 97-93 twice and one judge calling it a draw at 95-95. This marks Taylor’s 25th win with just one loss and six knockouts, further cementing her legacy in women's boxing.

The trilogy was a showcase of tactical skill and resilience, with this third fight arguably less explosive than their earlier bouts but equally close in contest. Serrano, now holding a 47-4-1 record with 31 knockouts, fought cautiously, appearing wary of the hard punches Taylor delivers, which led to a more measured pace compared to their previous encounters.

A clash of styles and respect

The atmosphere in the iconic New York arena was electric, hosting its first all-women’s fight card with over 19,000 fans from Irish and Puerto Rican communities creating a festive mood. Serrano’s ring walk was a celebration in itself, accompanied by the Knicks City Dancers, reflecting her popularity and the significance of the event.

Throughout the bout, Taylor controlled the centre of the ring, landing sharp counter punches and dictating the tempo. The fight featured several rounds that could have gone either way, with Serrano coming forward aggressively in the fifth but Taylor escaping corners and maintaining composure. Despite a cut above Taylor’s right eye in the eighth round, she edged the final rounds to secure victory.

After the fight, Taylor expressed reluctance to face Serrano a fourth time, praising her as a warrior but noting the physical toll of their encounters. Serrano reflected on her strategy to fight smarter, adopting longer punches and combinations, though it ultimately wasn’t enough to claim the win.

Savannah Marshall suffers unexpected defeat in title unification bout

Meanwhile, Britain’s Savannah Marshall experienced a surprising setback in her return to boxing after a spell in MMA. Facing Shadasia Green in a super-middleweight unification bout (IBF and WBO titles) at 168lbs, Marshall lost via a split decision. The judges scored the fight 95-94 and 96-93 in favour of Green, despite a point deduction against Green for holding, with one judge scoring 96-93 for Marshall.

This upset has sent shockwaves through the British boxing community, as Marshall was previously undisputed super-middleweight champion and considered a dominant force. Green’s tactical approach and resilience under pressure proved decisive in this closely contested match.

Ellie Scotney unifies super-bantamweight titles with dominant win

In other notable results from the all-women's card, Catford’s Ellie Scotney claimed a major victory by dethroning Mexican champion Yamileth Mercado, ending Mercado’s six-year reign as WBC super-bantamweight titleholder. Scotney added the WBC crown to her existing IBF and WBO belts with a commanding unanimous decision, scoring 100-90, 98-82, and 98-82.

Scotney’s comprehensive win highlights her rise in the sport and signals a shift in the super-bantamweight division, adding British talent prominently to the global scene.

Other British fighters shine on the night

England’s Chantelle Cameron, a former two-weight world champion, comfortably defeated Jessica Camara on points, continuing her impressive form. Additionally, Ramla Ali returned to the ring after a year-long absence to secure a tighter unanimous points decision over Lila Furtado, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Unbeaten Alycia Baumgardner retains undisputed super-featherweight title

American star Alycia Baumgardner also featured prominently by defending her undisputed super-featherweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Spain’s Jennifer Miranda. Baumgardner’s retention of the title underscores the competitive nature of women’s boxing across multiple weight classes.

The growing prominence of women's boxing and what lies ahead

This historic all-women’s card at Madison Square Garden demonstrates the increasing global appeal and competitiveness of female boxing, with British fighters playing key roles. The event also shines a light on the evolving dynamics in the sport, from thrilling rivalries like Taylor vs Serrano to unexpected shifts such as Marshall’s loss.

Fans looking to keep up with major boxing events and highlights can explore related coverage on Sky Sports football watchalongs, which often feature crossover sports content. Additionally, staying informed about other sports seasons, like the NFL's exciting 2025 kickoff detailed in Aaron Rodgers shines as NFL 2025 season kicks off with thrilling matches, can provide broader sporting context and entertainment.

Conclusion: A defining moment in women’s boxing history

Katie Taylor’s completion of her trilogy with Amanda Serrano and the emergence of new champions like Ellie Scotney mark a memorable chapter in women’s boxing. While Savannah Marshall’s defeat was unexpected, it adds to the unpredictability and excitement of the sport. As women's boxing continues to grow, fans can expect more thrilling bouts, historic milestones, and rising stars from the UK and beyond.