Taylor vs Serrano rematch joins Paul vs Tyson on July 20
Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano by split decision in their 2022 battle
Jake Paul’s July 20th Netflix showdown with Mike Tyson will feature at least one morally defensible boxing match, as MVP announced today that undisputed super lightweight champion Kaie Taylor will rematch rival Amanda Serrano in the co-main event.
“This is the rematch the world has wanted to see and I’m delighted that it’s finally happening,” said Taylor. “The first fight in New York was obviously an epic occasion and it more than lived up to the billing, and I’m sure the rematch will be no different. I want to thank Matchroom and DAZN for their help in making the fight possible and I’m looking forward to defending my titles as undisputed world champion in Dallas on Saturday, July 20.”
I promised my fans they would see this rematch after we made history at MSG and it feels like a dream come true to know that Katie and I are finally making it happen on the biggest stage possible to show the world what elite women’s boxing is all about,” said Serrano.
“While my focus continues to be on giving women the choice to fight with the same rules as men, I’ve always said that this is the one fight I’d go back to 10x2 for if that’s what Katie wanted. I’m coming for her belts, she wants 10x2, so that’s what we will do. I believe I won our first fight, but I didn’t get the decision, so this time I’m not leaving it to the judges. I am honored to share this iconic MVP card in the biggest stadium, on the biggest streaming platform in the world. Thank you Nakisa, Jake, Mike and Netflix for making this happen. And to all the young girls and women watching, I want you to know that anything is possible. Keep dreaming, keep working hard, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. It took me 15 years of blood, sweat and tears to get here, but it’s all worth it because I’m living my dreams.”
Taylor (23-1, 6 KO) gritted her way to a split decision when they first met in April 2022 and produced one of the year’s best fights. Both women then made successful defenses of their respective titles, Taylor beating Karen Elizabeth Carabajal and Serrano (46-2, 30 KO) beating Sarah Mahfoud, before agreeing to rematch in May of last year.
Serrano wound up withdrawing due to an undisclosed injury, prompting Taylor to move up to 140 and split a pair of solid scraps with Chantelle Cameron. Serrano, for her part, returned to 126 to beat Erika Cruz, Heather Hardy, and Danila Ramos in the span of nine months.
Even with the delay, this remains among the best fights women’s boxing has to offer, though I’ll admit that the lack of Croke Park and it being 10x2 again instead of 12x3 is a bummer. Still, good to have some morally justifiable fun before the main event.