Last Friday night showcased two remarkable bouts that captivated boxing fans across the globe.
Intriguingly, neither the legendary Mike Tyson nor the rising star Jake Paul was in the ring.
In a thrilling rematch, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano clashed once again, reigniting their fierce rivalry.
The combat was nothing short of electrifying and epitomized the heart and soul of boxing.
Guts and glory, baby; that’s the spirit of the fight.
My co-author Dennis Taylor and I explored such profound rivalries in our book, Intimate Warfare, where we celebrated the legendary battles of Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward.
We described their exchanges as “beautiful brutality,” a term that resonates deeply in the context of Taylor and Serrano’s encounter.
The match proved to be a razor-thin contest—a true seesaw battle that pitted precision against power. I watched the fight twice; the first viewing had Serrano narrowly ahead, but upon rewatching it with the sound muted, I found Taylor deserving the victory by a single point.
Such was the intensity—an incredibly close fight that could have tipped in either direction.
The second bout featured even more bloodshed, as an accidental headbutt inflicted a significant gash over Serrano’s left eye, making for a grim sight. Many spectators at AT&T Stadium braced for an early stoppage, yet the resilient fighters pressed on, descending back into the fray. By the final bell, both warriors bore the marks of battle, crimson staining their gloves and faces.
Taylor triumphed by a solitary point according to all three judges’ scorecards. Her toughness is undeniable; she plays tough but is far from dirty.
Earlier in the evening, Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos engaged in a relentless 12-round war. For the first five rounds, Barrios dominated the fight, showcasing his skill and precision. He delivered a stunning knockdown to Ramos with a straight right in the second round, solidifying his early lead. However, the tide turned dramatically in round six when a sudden and vicious shot from Ramos caught Barrios off guard.
Despite the setback, the seasoned Ramos, with 13 years of experience behind him, surged back to life. He landed stunning punches that startled Barrios throughout the remainder of the match. Despite the adversity, Barrios rallied in the later rounds, displaying remarkable willpower and resilience.
The verdict was a widely accepted draw, reflecting the valiant efforts of both fighters.
After four rounds of Paul and Tyson, I had reached my limit. On the positive side, Tyson managed to last the full distance, and Paul has shown signs of improvement. Still, I find myself wishing for an end to the circus; alas, it seems unlikely as long as 70,000 fans continue to flock to witness it.
Taylor, Serrano, Barrios, and Ramos are exemplary figures of what boxing should embody—true warriors in the ring.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to them for reminding us of the sport’s raw beauty and intensity.
How does Dennis Taylor compare the rivalry between Taylor and Serrano to historic boxing rivalries he discusses in “Intimate Warfare”?
**Interview with Boxing Analyst and Author of “Intimate Warfare,” Dennis Taylor**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dennis. Last Friday night was quite a showcase for boxing fans, featuring a remarkable rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. What were your initial thoughts on that fight?
**Dennis Taylor:** Thanks for having me! It was an incredible bout, truly electrifying. Both fighters demonstrated an immense level of skill and determination, which reignited their fierce rivalry. It’s what makes boxing so captivating—the heart, the soul, and the relentless spirit conveyed in their exchanges.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your book “Intimate Warfare” that you explored legendary rivalries. How does the Taylor-Serrano fight compare to those you’ve documented, like Gatti and Ward?
**Dennis Taylor:** That’s a great question. The exchanges between Taylor and Serrano really encapsulated the essence of what I call “beautiful brutality.” Just like Gatti and Ward, you had two fighters with contrasting styles—Serrano with her power and Taylor with her precision. This match was a seesaw battle, and the closeness of the score at the end reminded me of those legendary encounters.
**Editor:** The fight was described as a razor-thin contest. You even watched it twice and had different impressions. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dennis Taylor:** Absolutely. The first viewing had Serrano barely ahead, which speaks to how subjective the scoring in boxing can be. But when I rewatched it without sound, I found myself favoring Taylor by a single point. It was fascinating to see how different angles and emotions can sway your perception—another testament to the incredible tension of the fight. It really could have gone either way.
**Editor:** It sounds like the intensity was heightened by physical damage as well, particularly with the headbutt that injured Serrano. How do such incidents affect the momentum of a fight?
**Dennis Taylor:** An injury like that can change the dynamics completely. It not only physically impacts the fighter but can also shift the psychological game. Spectators, like those in AT&T Stadium, often feel that energy too. A visible wound can heighten tension, drawing sympathy for the injured fighter while igniting the crowd. It’s a double-edged sword—while it can rally the audience behind you, it can also be a major setback.
**Editor:** In the broader context, what did this fight signify for women’s boxing?
**Dennis Taylor:** This match was monumental for women’s boxing, showcasing that female fighters can deliver just as much drama, skill, and excitement as their male counterparts. It not only captivated fans globally but also highlighted the growing recognition and respect that women’s boxing is finally receiving. Both Taylor and Serrano are trailblazers, and their rivalry is driving the sport forward.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dennis, for your insights on this captivating night in boxing. We look forward to seeing how this rivalry evolves in the future!
**Dennis Taylor:** A pleasure, thank you! I can’t wait to see what’s next for both fighters.