April 7, 2024
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor’s next step will be to see the Irishwoman return to the United States in a rematch with Amanda Serrano.
Taylor, 23-1, 6 KOs, and Serrano, 46-2-1, 30 KOs, broke box office and broadcasting records during their first encounter in April 2022 at Madison Square Garden, New York, which saw Taylor and Serrano a Fight of the Year spectacular in front of a record crowd of 19,187 with 1.5 million viewers tuning in to watch the content on streaming service DAZN, making the fight the most-watched live female boxing event in history.
Taylor narrowly edged Serrano on the scorecards by a split decision, which fueled calls from Serrano and her handlers for a rematch.
According to reports from Irish state broadcaster RTE, a rematch between Taylor and Serrano will likely occur in Las Vegas at the recently opened Sphere in early June. An announcement confirming the anticipated rematch could land as early as next week.
“There is a good chance she could fight Serrano next,” Hearn told reporters in Las Vegas. “Absolutely, the Serrano rematch is an option for the next fight. It would be a huge fight.”
Serrano had been scheduled to appear in her native Puerto Rico last month against German Nina Meinke, a former Taylor opponent.
However, in the minutes before Serrano’s scheduled title defense, the unified featherweight champion was forced to withdraw due to an eye injury caused by a hair dye product applied two days before the March 2 encounter.
Taylor’s rematch with Serrano was not her or Matchroom Boxing’s primary option for 2024. Matchroom and Taylor had exhausted negotiations with Chantelle Cameron, whom Taylor defeated in an entertaining rematch in Dublin in November last year.
Taylor and Cameron met in an initial encounter in May, when Cameron handed Taylor the maiden defeat of her career with an impressive points win to retain her undisputed super lightweight championship.
Ultimately, talks between the pair collapsed regarding a May-time trilogy fight. Cameron blamed Taylor for being unreasonable in negotiations, which resulted in Cameron and Taylor exploring other opportunities.
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