Connect with us

Featured Articles

Avila Perspective, Chap.184: Katie and Amanda Make History in NYC

Published

on

Avila-Perspective-Chap-184-Katie-and-Amanda-Make-History-in-NYC

Avila Perspective, Chap.184: Katie and Amanda Make History in NYC

NEW YORK CITY-Two women from two different parts of the world who arrived at the peak of their craft with two different fighting styles will meet at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 30, in a historic encounter aside from a total purse of more than $2 million dollars.

Ireland’s mighty Katie Taylor (20-0, 6 KOs) meets New York City daughter Amanda Serrano (41-1-1, 30 KOs). DAZN will stream the Matchroom Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions fight card.

Taylor defends the undisputed lightweight world championship against seven-division world titlist Serrano.

“This is historic, two women have never done this before fighting on the main event at Madison Square Garden,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

For Taylor the journey involved a long amateur career that started 20 years ago when she pretended to be a boy so she could box. It was the only way she could participate in the amateur boxing program.

“It was illegal for girls to participate in boxing in Ireland at the time,” said Hearn.

Over the years things changed and Taylor was allowed to box when girls were finally accepted. The Irish fireball racked up many wins in the amateur boxing world.

“Katie won dozens of gold medals over the years,” said Hearn.

Serrano was not as involved in amateurs. As a youngster she would follow her older sister Cindy Serrano to the boxing gym and watch her train. She too entered amateur boxing but did not stay very long. Few would fight Amanda who was knocking out the other girls.

“Nobody wanted to fight her,” said Jordan Maldonado who manages Amanda and is married to Cindy Serrano.

As a professional it was quickly discovered that Amanda Serrano packed power in both fists. Knockout wins were common for her though women seldom score knockouts. After winning the super featherweight world title, she traveled to Sweden and lost a very close decision. She then went on a tear and started a six-fight knockout streak and did not allow anyone to reach the third round.

No one would fight Serrano in America, so she departed to Argentina.

In South America the Puerto Rican southpaw challenged Maria Maderna for the WBO lightweight title. Ironically its one of the titles now held by Taylor. Though visitors find it nearly impossible to win in Argentina, Serrano was not deterred and knocked out the champion in six rounds.

That was eight years ago and both Taylor and Serrano have defeated everyone who they faced. They almost fought each other two years ago but the pandemic and other circumstances did not allow their meeting to take place.

British fans were outraged that Serrano would not accept the fight regardless of circumstances. They flooded social media with rants and declarations of Serrano’s refusal to fight for offers they deemed higher than she has ever received or would ever get.

“I guess I’m the one laughing all the way to the bank,” said Serrano who now will make an estimated $1 million dollar-plus to fight Taylor who also will surpass $1 million for their fight. “This would never have happened if not for Jake Paul.”

The social media star Paul saw Serrano fight and quickly surmised her talent and realized he could also help women’s boxing advance to the top financially.

It was Hearn that became the first promoter to believe in a woman’s fan appeal. He quickly made Taylor a main event fighter and gave her immediate exposure as soon as she became a professional in November 2016.

Thousands appeared at the weigh-in on Friday afternoon at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. A large contingent of Irish fans arrived early. A late arriving contingent of Puerto Rican fans clamored for Serrano.

A few female world champions were also in attendance like Seniesa Estrada, Mikaela Lauren, Alycia Baumgardner, Claressa Shields, Jessica McCaskill and prospects like Ramla Ali.

Many champions and contenders cannot attend but are looking forward to watching the historic fight.

“It’s really amazing hearing that each woman on the main event is earning a million,” said Sulem Urbina a flyweight contender from Arizona. “As a woman in this sport it just makes me think about the endless possibilities for the future. Boxing for women is heading in the right direction.”

Franchon Crews vs Elin Cederroos

Undisputed titles are becoming the norm. Franchon Crews, the WBC and WBO super middleweight titlist, meets Sweden’s Elin Cederroos the WBA and IBF super middleweight titlist in a fight for undisputed status.

It should be a banger.

Cederroos and Crews had two earlier dates that were canceled due to unforeseen problems. Now they are finally meeting and anxious to see what happens.

“It’s an honor to be here at MSG and I’m the first Swedish boxer to come here… I’ve been ready for such a long time now,” Cederroos said.

Crews was blunt.

“The difference between me and Elin – she’s a soccer player turned boxer. I’ve been boxing for over half of my life. I ain’t gonna lose to no half town boxer. And it’s all gonna go down on April 30,” said Crews.

Jessie Vargas vs Liam Smith

Each expects a knockout win, but both are known for their durability. Expect this to go 12 furious and bloody rounds in their super welterweight match.

“I say what I feel, and I do feel that I can be the first one to stop Jessie, especially at 154. 154 is my division,” said Smith (30-3-1, 17 KOs) who went the distance with Jaime Munguia and lasted nine rounds with Canelo Alvarez.

Vargas predicts a knockout too.

“I love what I do and I’m great at it. That’s why I continue to stay on the top, top 10 in the world. This Saturday night I will knock out Liam Smith as I said before,” said Vargas (29-3-2, 11 KOs).

Photo by David Avila

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Paro
Featured Articles1 week ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles6 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles4 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles5 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles5 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles4 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles20 hours ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles2 days ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles4 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles4 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles5 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles5 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles6 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles1 week ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending