Undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor’s face-off against seven-division champ Amanda Serrano was regarded as one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing history before either of them stepped foot in the ring.
The bout at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night lived up to the hype as the first fight between ESPN’s Nos. 1 and 2 on the pound-for-pound list since 2008 and cemented its spot in history.
Read more: Katie Taylor retains titles and more
Serrano and Taylor went the distance in a back-and-forth match, and in the end, the undisputed champ came out victorious, snapping Serrano’s 28-fight winning streak.
Ahead of the fight Jake Paul, who represented Serrano at the news conference and walked her to the ring, made a $1 million wager with Eddie Hearn, Taylor’s promoter.
Taylor kept her perfect record (now 21-0) intact despite Serrano being favored (-140).
Taylor’s split decision victory made waves on social media. Conor McGregor, Jake Paul and Ryan Garcia were among those who shared their thoughts.
Katie Taylor The Greatest! ❤️🇮🇪Absolutely incredible boxing!
Take a bow ladies! What a contest! @KatieTaylor @Serranosisters @TheGarden— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 1, 2022
Robbed.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 1, 2022
I just witnessed one of the best fights ever and in my humble opinion Katie pulled it off 👊🏼🥊 #TaylorSerrano
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 1, 2022
Fight of the year so far got damn !! #TaylorvsSerrano
— Errol Spence (@ErrolSpenceJr) May 1, 2022
I’m not a boxing judge but I’m not blind, not sure how Serrano didn’t win that fight but I’m assuming judges have a different eye for boxing than i do 💭
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) May 1, 2022
That was a BANGER 🥊 #TaylorSerrano #AndStill
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) May 1, 2022
Massive respect to Katie Taylor!! What a fight!! #TaylorSerrano 🥇
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) May 1, 2022
Congratulations @KatieTaylor! My never ending respect to my girl @Serranosisters! Thank you both for an outstanding show! #TaylorSerrano @DAZNBoxing @MatchroomBoxing
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) May 1, 2022
This fight DESERVED that extra minute! This fight DESERVED them extra two championship rounds too! #TaylorSerrano 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) May 1, 2022