Katie Taylor did it again. Despite being an underdog with the bookies, Taylor retained all of her world titles in dramatic fashion. The Bray fighter had to overcome a fifth-round that nearly saw her floored but finished with incredible style to beat Amanda Serrano on a split decision.
It was a triumphant night for Taylor and, of course, for women's boxing. The sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd and the millions watching at home were treated to what many are calling the fight of the year.
SEE ALSO: DAZN Commentary Criticised For Being Biased Against Katie Taylor
SEE ALSO: Hearn Wants Katie Taylor Vs Amanda Serrano Rematch In Croke Park
It was a huge night for boxing and The Rock was one of many in the sporting world to lead the tributes to both fighters.
What a monumental, defining and historic night in boxing.
Been enjoying this build up.
So happy for and proud of @KatieTaylor @Serranosisters + all the women of boxing 👏🏾👏🏾💪🏾
Long overdue, but inspiring to see.
LFG!!! @EddieHearn @jakepaul @DAZNBoxing https://t.co/T90F5kuVyj— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 1, 2022
Well the promoters fighter did win, let’s not forget Hearn has more juice than Paul in that Dept. but Taylor earned it on her own. #SerranoTaylor #TaylorSerrano
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) May 1, 2022
We + Serrano looked for pressure to break down Taylor, funny thing is Taylor’s perseverance and relentless strikes also wore Serrano mentally + physically. #SerranoTaylor #TaylorSerrano
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) May 1, 2022
The best ever @KatieTaylor
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) May 1, 2022
Great fight! Well done @KatieTaylor If there’s a rematch let’s me and you get it on @KingGabRosado 🇮🇪vs🇵🇷 https://t.co/tb579C6mvL
— Aaron McKenna (@Aaronmckenna99) May 1, 2022
Congratulations @KatieTaylor & @Serranosisters what a fight 👏👏👏👏👏
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) May 1, 2022
I have so much respect for these woman absolutely inspirational honored to have witnessed that, I hope you get all the money you deserve and I’m so happy you guys rocked that better the any man I seen 🔥👊🏼
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 1, 2022
Stephen McCarthy of Sportsfile was ringside and in Taylor's dressing room to capture some of the emotion during and after the fight.
There was, of course, a massive Irish presence in the sold-out arena.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor supporters before her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Amanda Serrano walked to the ring flanked by her promoter Jake Paul.
30 April 2022; Amanda Serrano, with promoter Jake Paul, right, before her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
It was all-out war in the ring. There was jubilation after Katie's hand was raised.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor and coach Ross Enamait, left, celebrate victory after her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Katie's family were ringside, and McCarthy captured some wonderfully intimate moments.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor celebrates with her brother Lee after her undisputed world lightweight championship fight victory over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Amazingly, Katie even stopped for a selfie with one fan after the fight.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor and manager Brian Peters, left, take a selfie with a supporter after her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Back in the dressing room, there were joyous scenes with Taylor's family and team.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor and family following her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Taylor met a number of icons of women's boxing back stage.
Laila Ali - daughter of Muhammad Ali and herself a former boxer who was instrumental in putting women's boxing on the map - visited Taylor's dressing room afterwards.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor with Laila Ali after her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Katie also met American fighter Christy Martin - an incredible fighter and person - after the fight.
30 April 2022; Katie Taylor, trainer Ross Enamait, left, and manager Brian Peters, right, with former professional boxer Christy Martin after her undisputed world lightweight championship fight with Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
We imagine this will mean so much more to Taylor than the praise of Dwayne Johnson. But now the whole world knows about Katie Taylor's greatness.
