Why Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano deserve MORE than support act status ahead of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
The rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, one of the most highly anticipated matchups to be made in women’s boxing, will take place on November 15, but the buzz around their fight is muted.
Unlike their first encounter in 2022 – which headlined Madison Square Garden as the first female bout to do so and drew a massive global audience – this bout will be the co-main event on a card headlined by a more celebrity-based showdown between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in Arlington, Texas.
It’s a choice that puts Taylor and Serrano in a difficult position: while the undercard placement boosts their earnings significantly, it diminishes the spotlight they would otherwise command in a main event setting.
Their first fight was widely regarded as a groundbreaking moment in women’s boxing. Taylor edged out Serrano in a dramatic split-decision victory that showcased the technical prowess and intensity of both fighters.
The fight received universal acclaim – being named Fight of the Year by Sports Illustrated and Event of the Year by The Ring – and left fans debating whether Taylor was the rightful winner.
However, despite the rematch promising even higher stakes – with Serrano vying for revenge and Taylor, now 38, defending her legacy – it is getting less mainstream attention due to its placement under Tyson vs Paul.
Katie Taylor will rematch Amanda Serrano as the co-main event to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
The fight will be taking place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15
Both Taylor and Serrano have expressed a fierce determination to ‘steal the show’, and I have no doubt their performances on the night will do just that. But, if the build-up was any indication, you’d be forgiven for having doubts.
It’s clear that the Paul-Tyson matchup has the potential to attract one of the largest audiences of the year, offering valuable exposure to the co-main event. However, I would have loved to see more hype around the women’s fight.
For the first fight, both Taylor and Serrano entered the ring with impressive records and stakes. For Serrano, a victory would have made her Puerto Rico’s first undisputed boxing champion across any division or gender – a feat she later achieved against Erika Cruz.
Taylor, the undisputed lightweight champion from Ireland, was defending not only her titles but also her undefeated record, bringing a crowd of supporters from across the world.
The fight was a high-paced, technical contest marked by shifting momentum, especially in rounds four and five, where Serrano nearly overwhelmed Taylor. Despite this, Taylor demonstrated remarkable composure, rallying in the later rounds to edge out a close split-decision victory after going the distance.
The Taylor-Serrano rivalry has fans split on who the true winner was in their previous bout, building even more anticipation for the rematch. At 36, Serrano is still in prime form, riding the momentum of five consecutive wins. Meanwhile, Taylor, after suffering her first career loss to Chantelle Cameron last year, rebounded with a powerful victory in their rematch.
Yet, despite their historic status, Taylor and Serrano are set to fight on the undercard of Tyson vs. Paul. Why? Each fighter is expected to make over $6 million – a career high for both and a significant win for women’s boxing as it highlights the increasing earning potential in the sport, especially for female fighters.
Taylor is one of the biggest stars in boxing and a trailblazer for female fighters
Some fans felt like Serrano won the first fight with Taylor and predict she will win the rematch
Serrano (pictured fighting Heather Hardy above) has won multiple titles at multiple weights
But this financial victory also brings to light a harsh reality: even elite female fighters often have to slot in under high-profile, entertainment-driven bouts to secure significant paydays.
There’s no denying Paul’s impact on Serrano’s career – he and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) have helped elevate her visibility and compensation since their link-up in 2021.
Despite being a world champion with multiple titles across weight classes, Serrano struggled to receive the recognition, pay and opportunities afforded to her male counterparts.
Since joining MVP in 2021, Serrano has become even more of a household name, and the groundbreaking Serrano-Katie Taylor bout at Madison Square Garden marked the first women’s boxing headliner in the venue’s history. Therefore, it’s clear the partnership has amplified her career and set new records for women’s boxing.
However, Serrano’s placement on the undercard of a YouTuber-turned-boxer’s event raises questions about respect and recognition for top female athletes. Serrano’s skills and achievements arguably merit a headline fight on any established card, not a supporting role. Combine her achievements with Taylor’s and it should be a sell-out at another landmark venue.
So, what to make of Taylor and Serrano fighting on the Tyson vs. Paul undercard? From a sports perspective, the Taylor-Serrano bout holds more significance, both in terms of competitive merit and the history of their rivalry, than the main event itself.
This situation underscores a critical issue: even the most talented women in boxing are often sidelined in favour of celebrity-driven matchups.
Will women’s boxing’s brightest stars continue to fight in the shadow of these spectacles, or will they eventually command the main stage they deserve?
