AMANDA SERRANO wore her heart on her sleeve as she hailed an “amazing night for women’s boxing” following her third loss to Katie Taylor.
The 36-year-old went 0-3 against her long-time rival after another closely fought battle at Madison Square Garden.
While a cagier bout compared to their explosive previous contests, the result remained the same, with Taylor having her hand raised in a majority decision.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani after her unsuccessful attempt to win the undisputed super lightweight titles, Serrano was diplomatic.
The Puerto Rican said: “I tried something different. It was all about working smarter, not harder.
“I tried to keep my distance, try not go in there and fight with her because, apparently, it didn’t work the first two fights so tried to stick with the low punches, the 1-2s and I guess it wasn’t enough.
“One judge saw it even. I got a couple of rounds. I don’t know. I have to go back and see it. My team said I won.
“Obviously I am going to go with what my team tells me. They were telling me what to do and I was trying to apply it in the ring.”
Taylor and Serrano’s trilogy battle was the main event of an all-female card at a sold-out Madison Square Garden.
The fans in attendance made their voices heard throughout the contest, with the Brooklyn-resident fighting tears as she basked in the noise.
She added: “I want to thank you for every single one of you coming out and supporting women‘s boxing.
“It was a truly amazing night for us, for all of us women. I am crying because it is all because of you guys.
“You guys support us.
“Thanks to all of you we are able to show our skills and we are able to have this great platform for women.
“Thank you so much MVP – Nakisa [Bidarian] and Jake Paul. You changed my life. You changed all these women’s lives.
“Thank you to Netflix for allowing us women to showcase our skills, to showcase that we are warriors.
“We can fight, we can sell, and we look good doing it.
“Thank you MSG once again for allowing us to sell out your beautiful place. It is always an honour to fight here, to fight in New York.”
‘AN HONOUR’
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano has been the definitive rivalry of both gladiator’s careers.
Their first encounter – an MSG headliner in April 2022 – was a Fight of the Year contender while their follow-up – at AT&T Stadium last November – exceeded those lofty expectations.
And while she will come away from the series without a win to show for it, Serrano showed respect to the Bray Bomber.
She continued: “Thank you Katie Taylor for an incredible three fights, an incredible 30 rounds.
“It has truly been an honour and it has been amazing to be with you, facing you.
“You are a true champion, a true warrior. Thank you so much.”
The full card – including prelims – saw seven title fights, a new world record, while the undercard lived up to the hype.
Ellie Scotney put on a star-making showing in the opener while Shadasia Green flipped the script to upset Savannah Marshall.
In the co-main-event Alycia Baumgardner kept hold of her undisputed junior lightweight crown despite a game challenge from Jennifer Miranda.
And Serrano was quick to acknowledge those who made the night an overwhelming success.
“To all the ladies that fought tonight, you guys did incredible.
“We did it, baby! We did it. We made history once again!
“I am proud of each and every one of you. Thank you guys and love you all.”
