Irish boxing star Katie Taylor retained her status as the undisputed lightweight world champion last Friday, defeating Puerto Rican fighter Amanda Serrano in a points decision that left fans at AT&T Stadium loudly booing the outcome.

The highly anticipated rematch, following their 2022 showdown, delivered another thrilling contest, but the decision sparked controversy. Throughout the fight, Serrano was the aggressor, landing significantly more punches than Taylor. While Taylor managed to counter effectively at times, the Irish fighter frequently leaned in close, resulting in a head clash in the fourth round. The collision caused a severe cut above Serrano’s right eye, leaving blood streaming down her face for much of the fight. In the eighth round, Taylor was penalized for a headbutt, further complicating the bout. Many spectators and commentators believed Serrano had done enough to secure victory.

Despite this, the judges unanimously scored the fight 95-94 in favor of Taylor. The decision left Serrano visibly shocked in the ring, while Taylor celebrated her win.

Fans voiced their discontent, loudly booing, while Serrano expressed frustration over what she perceived as intentional headbutts and an unfair decision.
“I knew that if it went to the judges, it would be a bit suspicious,” Serrano said afterward, adding that Taylor’s headbutts had been an issue in her previous fights as well.

Taylor defended her performance, brushing off the negative reaction.
“It was an absolute exchange of punches—a war,” she said. “I didn’t agree with the point deduction. Thank God for another incredible fight.”

Serrano, on the other hand, highlighted the difficulty of fighting with a serious cut and questioned the fairness of the scoring. On social media, she pointed out her statistical advantage, noting that she landed 107 more punches than Taylor despite also facing a point deduction.

The rematch was the co-main event of another big fight that night, where YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul secured a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

While Paul’s win generated its own headlines, the Taylor-Serrano fight will likely remain a flashpoint in discussions about judging controversies in boxing.