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A rematch between undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano seemed inevitable.

Taylor edged a decision after the pair fought out a modern classic on Saturday night in New York in what was billed as the biggest women’s boxing match of all time.

There was respect after the final bell
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There was respect after the final bellCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Hearn embraces Taylor after her biggest ever win
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Hearn embraces Taylor after her biggest ever winCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Taylor is yet to fight in her home country as a pro boxer
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Taylor is yet to fight in her home country as a pro boxerCredit: getty

The Madison Square Garden bout more than lived up to expectations and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn immediately turned his intention to the rematch post-fight, suggesting it should take place in Taylor’s home country.

“Katie Taylor is one of the greatest things to ever come out of Ireland,” he said.

“If we don’t go back to Ireland for a fight before her career is done it would be a big, big, big shame.

"I think we should run this rematch back in Ireland and let Katie Taylor fight for the first time in Croke Park."

YouTube star Jake Paul was annoyed his fighter didn’t get the result they had hoped for but confirmed Serrano is willing to travel for another crack at Taylor.

“You know, she’s a true champion. We are ready wherever, whenever. Clearly, the Irish fans are mad so, we’ve got some unsettled business.

Taylor's counter punches were the more eye catching shots early on
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Taylor's counter punches were the more eye catching shots early onCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
The Irish fans made themselves heard at MSG
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The Irish fans made themselves heard at MSGCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

“That was a draw at best. I thought Amanda Serrano took it, she had Katie hurt there a couple of times on the ropes. It is what it is. Katie is the champion, so, obviously, if it’s a close fight the judges are going to give it to her. Let’s run it back in Ireland.”

The first few rounds set the tone for the fight, as Taylor boxed nicely on her back foot while Serrano came forward in what was a fairly even early portion of the contest.

By the end of round three, the atmosphere inside MSG was so raucous that the referee could not hear the bell at the end of the session and the crowd seemed to influence the fight from this moment on.

In round four, Serrano started to find more success but was eating counter-punches time and time again but it set her up for an epic fifth round – the best two minutes of the fight.

The Olympic gold medallist opted against following her gameplan at this point and instead battled back to the centre of the ring but was then badly hurt as she staggered into the path of a massive combination of hooks.

Serrano attempted to drop her dazed opponent, but Taylor clung on and survived the round on unsteady legs.

Taylor had to survive some tough moments to defend her belts
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Taylor had to survive some tough moments to defend her beltsCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight crown by beating Serrano
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Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight crown by beating SerranoCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

After looking out on her feet in round five, Taylor started to work her way back into the fight. ‘The Bray Bomber’ reverted to her original gameplan and began to bank the latter rounds.

In the final two minutes, both women decided to throw down and they literally threw big bombs at each other until the final bell which was met with a massive ovation from everyone in attendance.

The judges scored it 96-94 Serrano, 97-93 Taylor, 96-93 Taylor as she retained her undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO lightweight world titles in one of the best fights of 2022.

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