A longstanding boxing rivalry between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor has taken an unexpected turn, with disagreements emerging over the format of their upcoming third bout. Scheduled for July 11, the match at Madison Square Garden is expected to reignite tensions not only in the ring but also outside it. The primary point of contention revolves around the duration of each round—whether they should adhere to the traditional two-minute rounds for women's boxing or adopt the three-minute format typically reserved for men. This disagreement has sparked a heated exchange between the two fighters, reflecting broader debates about equality in sports.
The feud escalated during a press conference when Serrano accused Taylor of reneging on an alleged agreement to conduct the fight using three-minute rounds. According to Serrano, both parties had initially agreed upon this arrangement, symbolized by a handshake seal. However, Taylor disputes this claim, arguing that she remains open to the idea but insists that such decisions should not be dictated solely by her opponent. As the reigning champion with two narrow victories over Serrano under her belt, Taylor asserts her right to set terms for the rematch, emphasizing her advantageous position due to her extensive track record against prominent opponents.
Taylor further contends that altering the round structure might not necessarily enhance the spectacle of the fight. She points out that despite Serrano's previous engagements in matches featuring longer rounds, no knockouts resulted from these encounters, suggesting that the extended time does not guarantee increased excitement. On the contrary, Taylor believes that shorter, more intense rounds provide better entertainment value, aligning with the preferences of streaming platforms like Netflix, which will broadcast the event.
Serrano staunchly defends the adoption of three-minute rounds, advocating for gender parity in professional boxing. Her commitment to this cause extends beyond mere rhetoric; she relinquished her WBC featherweight titles because the organization refused to sanction its women’s championship under the same conditions as men. For her, this issue transcends personal interests, representing a pivotal step toward achieving equal recognition for female athletes.
Amidst conflicting narratives regarding who ultimately decided on the round format, representatives from Taylor's camp attribute the decision to Netflix, citing the platform's preference for maintaining the status quo due to perceived audience engagement levels. Conversely, Paul, part of Serrano's promotional team, blames Taylor for obstructing the change, highlighting the complexity of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders.
As anticipation builds for their third confrontation, the discourse surrounding the match highlights deeper issues within the sport concerning fairness and representation. Regardless of the outcome, the dialogue initiated by Serrano and Taylor underscores the ongoing struggle for equitable treatment in athletics, setting a precedent for future generations of female boxers aspiring to compete on level ground with their male counterparts.