Taylor-Serrano Rematch: A High-Stakes Bout on the Undercard of Tyson-Paul

Live text commentary for Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano 2 will be available from 03:00 GMT on Saturday, 16 November via the BBC Sport website and app. One of boxing’s most anticipated rematches, and the most lucrative contest in women’s boxing, is scheduled for Friday, featuring Katie Taylor against Amanda Serrano for the undisputed light-welterweight championship in Texas. In April 2022, champion Taylor secured a points victory over Serrano in what is widely regarded as the greatest female boxing match ever. However, Ireland’s Taylor and Puerto Rico’s Serrano are no longer the primary attraction on the fight card. The rematch is set to occur at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium, preceding the controversial fight between 58-year-old Mike Tyson and 27-year-old Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Former heavyweight champion Tyson has not competed professionally for 19 years and withdrew from a summer bout following a health concern, while Paul’s 11-bout career has predominantly involved former UFC fighters. This contest will officially count on both men’s professional records. “It’s a very interesting spectacle for people but I do understand the concerns that people have as well,” Taylor informed BBC Sport. Taylor’s reservations are offset by record-high earnings for the female athletes participating in an event broadcast on Netflix, marking the streaming giant’s initial foray into live boxing. This raises questions: does the inclusion of Taylor-Serrano – a high-quality fight between two prospective hall of fame athletes – lend legitimacy to the spectacle of the main event? And what are the implications for the future of women’s boxing? Serrano expressed readiness to perform against Taylor. Taylor, 38, is an Olympic gold medallist and a two-weight undisputed champion. Puerto Rican Serrano has claimed world titles across an impressive seven divisions. For their initial fight, which was the first women’s contest to headline at New York’s Madison Square Garden, they each earned over £1m, and they are again expected to receive seven-figure sums. “This is every fighter’s dream to get big paydays and I love my sport, I love what I do,” Taylor stated, downplaying reports that her purse could reach $6.1m (£4.8m). Serrano, 36, also refrained from disclosing her earnings but believes other female fighters can benefit from the prominence and success of her rivalry with Taylor. “Women’s boxing is getting better and it’s only going to go up from here,” Serrano commented. “I just hope their pay cheques get better, just like mine and Katie’s.” Despite their optimism, only a limited number of female fighters generate substantial income from their contests, and these earnings are not globally consistent. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia is progressively solidifying its influence in boxing, offering generous payments to fighters, some of whom have lower profiles than Taylor or Serrano. Nevertheless, despite Saudi Arabia hosting its first world-title fight in October, the Kingdom has generally overlooked female boxing. Brooklyn-born Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986 and subsequently achieved two-time champion status. While the main event has garnered significant criticism from boxing purists due to Tyson’s age, the presence of Taylor-Serrano provides a degree of credibility. However, unlike their first encounter, this rematch is primarily positioned within the context of the headline bout’s spectacle. “To be on the same card as Mike Tyson is a pinch me moment for me. He’s a legend of the sport, an icon of the sport,” Taylor remarked, her eyes visibly brightening at the mention of her idol. She articulated the privilege of competing at such a major event, yet it is notable that this significant moment for women’s boxing is being facilitated by two men, one of whom served three years in prison for rape. Tyson’s public image has undergone rehabilitation in the decades following his 1992 conviction. Appearances in Hollywood blockbusters like The Hangover have bolstered his cult status, and his former ‘baddest man on the planet’ persona appears to have softened. Paul, conversely, positions himself as a disruptor in professional boxing. A former Disney child star and YouTube prankster who likens himself to the legendary Muhammad Ali is unlikely to ever win over dedicated boxing fans. Yet, despite his detractors, Serrano – who is affiliated with Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions – described him as “misunderstood” and believes he deserves more recognition for advocating for women’s boxing. “To me he’s a great manager and a great friend who changed my life,” she affirmed. With over 282 million Netflix subscribers globally, Taylor characterized fighting on the platform as “the stuff of dreams,” expressing enthusiasm for the potentially unprecedented viewership figures. The UK has approximately 17 million subscribers, and it will be interesting to observe how many tune in around 03:00 GMT for Taylor and Serrano’s ring walks, and if a majority of those watching on catch-up will bypass to the main event. At Tuesday’s public workout event, Taylor and Serrano received a somewhat subdued reception from a crowd predominantly composed of Paul and Tyson fans, who became animated only when the headliners entered the ring. Serrano expressed no concern about the pair not being granted main event status. “For me it doesn’t matter,” she stated. “I’d be the first fight – I don’t care where they put me as long as I’m fighting and giving the fans a good show.” Taylor, meanwhile, remains optimistic that the entire event can still attract new followers to women’s boxing. “There are going to be so many people watching. I have a chance to inspire people to showcase women’s boxing at its very best,” she declared.