KATIE Taylor believes she gave one of her greatest ever performances last November when she defeated Amanda Serrano for a second time.
And the Bray bruiser is keen to dish out more punishment when the old rivals meet for the third time on July 11 at Madison Square Garden.
The so-called trilogy fight will headline the first-ever all-female card at the legendary boxing venue.
Taylor leads the series 2-0 after judges unanimously found in her favour against the Puerto Rican at AT&T Stadium last November.
Taylor also won via a split decision when the pair first fought at MSG in April 2022.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist — who fought her first fight as an amateur in 2001 — said: “It was definitely one of my best performances.
“I love the way I was able to push her back and outfight her. I think I outboxed her in the first fight. I actually outfought her in the second.”
That view is at odds with Netflix commentary team of Mauro Ranallo, ring legend Roy Jones Jr and actress Rosie Perez. Ranallo and Perez claimed the judges had got it wrong. Jones Jr sided with the winner.
Throughout the broadcast — viewed by 75 million fight fans worldwide — Ranallo and Perez had controversially suggested it was a one-sided contest in favour of Serrano.
Taylor, however, has long since shrugged off the pundits’ objections.
She added: “I recently looked back at that fight and if you turn the commentary off, it’s actually a very, very clear win for me.
“There was no controversy whatsoever. The commentary made it controversial but I was very happy with that performance.
“But there’s still more I can do as well, which is very positive for me. It was a great performance but I feel like I still haven’t shown my best. That’s very, very exciting for me.”
The first fight between the pair, was the first women’s bout to headline the Garden. But with Taylor two-up, what is her motivation for a third contest?
The 38-year-old replied: “I just want to be involved in the biggest fight possible. After the last fight, I knew this was still the biggest fight that people were talking about.
“People were interested in seeing a third fight. Because of that, I wanted to step back in there again. I don’t need this fight, she does. And so I just want to be involved in these big fights.
“So to have a chance to be a part of an all-female card in Madison Square Garden again, live on Netflix, this is a one-in-a-million kind of opportunity. I feel very, very privileged and blessed to be in this position, really.”
GREATNESS NEVER SLEEPS
Taylor’s professional boxing record stands at a remarkable 24-1 and she has reached the pinnacle of her sport in the amateur and pro ranks.
But the Irishwoman reckons her mindset always remains the same.
Taylor added: “I’m excited about the fight. I’m excited to have this opportunity again. I feel good, I feel sharp.
“I’m actually just excited to jump in there. I think there’s always going to be a bit of pressure at this level. But as Billie Jean said, the pressure is a privilege. So it is a great, great position to be in.”
Last November, Taylor had a point deducted for excessive use of the head in the eighth round having been warned twice about it beforehand.
HEAD CLASH CONTROVERSY
Looking back, the revved-up puncher believes it was a ‘ridiculous’ call.
Taylor explained: “Even at that moment, there were no head clashes. And all the complaining about the head, but that’s what happens a lot of times . . . you just clash heads.
“Her head hit my head as well. I also got a cut from that. That was actually uncomfortable for me as well.
“We both came together, we clashed heads and to get a point of deduction, even for that, in that moment, there’s no head clash during that moment. But regardless, I can look back and smile now because I came out as a winner.”
Having shared a ring with Serrano for 20 rounds, there is a respect between the two fighters.
And while both have achieved iconic feats in the sport, Taylor admitted: “I don’t actually have any relationship with her outside of the fights but I do think Amanda’s a great person.
“We’ve obviously spent 20 rounds in the ring together. I have obviously an awful lot of respect for her. I think she’s a great athlete and fighter.
“So maybe after this trilogy, we can sit down together and actually . . . I don’t know what the future holds in terms of friendship, but I have nothing against Amanda.
“I think she is a fantastic person. I’m very, very grateful that I have a fighter like that to share the ring with because my name’s always going to be named alongside her name and vice versa.
“I think every fighter needs a really good dance partner.
And I’m very, very grateful that we’ve been able to share the ring together over these last few years and make history together.”
KATIE TAYLOR vs Amanda Serrano will stream LIVE on Netflix exclusively on Friday, July 11, from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In the first-ever all-women’s boxing card in Madison Square Garden history, Ireland’s undisputed champion Katie Taylor faces Brooklyn’s Puerto Rican boxing trailblazer and seven-division champion Amanda Serrano in a historic trilogy fight no one will want to miss.
The event is produced, marketed, and promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and distributed by Netflix.
