Malissa Smith, a distinguished historian of women's boxing, recently shared her expert analysis on the pivotal undercard matchups accompanying the much-anticipated third encounter between boxing titans Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. This high-profile event, set to unfold at Madison Square Garden, features several compelling contests that could significantly shape the careers of the participating athletes. Smith's commentary sheds light on the strategic importance of these preliminary fights, emphasizing the potential for rising stars to solidify their positions and for seasoned veterans to reclaim their dominance within the sport. Her insights provide a comprehensive overview of the stakes involved, from title aspirations to career-defining moments, underscoring the depth of talent and the competitive spirit present in women's boxing today.

Among the highlighted bouts, the clash between Ellie Scotney and Yamileth Mercado stands out as a particularly intriguing matchup. Smith points to Mercado's resilience, demonstrated in her previous performances, including a victory over Mariana Juarez and her unwavering stance against Amanda Serrano. For the undefeated Scotney, this fight represents a crucial step towards potentially challenging for an undisputed title. The return of Savannah Marshall after an extended period of inactivity also draws attention, with her fight against an opponent yet to be confirmed serving as a test of her commitment and current form. Another captivating contest features Cherneka Johnson against Shurretta Metcalf, where Metcalf, fresh off her IBF bantamweight title win, has an opportunity to elevate her standing, while Johnson aims to showcase her strong foundational skills.

Chantelle Cameron’s journey back to the ring is also a key narrative. Following her defeat to Katie Taylor, Cameron is seeking to re-establish herself at the top of her division, with her current fight offering a chance to set up a potential trilogy with Taylor. Her opponent, Jessica Camara, is acknowledged as a capable fighter, but the bout is largely seen as an opportunity for Cameron to secure a decisive victory. Furthermore, Alycia Baumgardner's upcoming fight is characterized as a strategic 'tune-up' bout. Facing Jennifer Miranda, who has primarily competed in Spain, Baumgardner is expected to deliver a dominant performance, aiming to reassert her elite status and potentially pave the way for a future showdown with Serrano. This lineup of fights underscores the evolving landscape of women's boxing, with each bout carrying significant implications for the fighters' careers and the sport's future.

The stakes are particularly high for Savannah Marshall in her matchup against Shadasia Green. Smith observes Green's tendency to tire during fights, a pattern seen in her previous performances. For Green, this fight represents a critical moment to demonstrate her ability to compete at an elite level. Conversely, Marshall's participation signals a decision point in her career, having been out of the ring for two years. Both fighters' association with MVP is noted, raising questions about their future trajectories within the sport. Smith suggests that Marshall and Cameron, despite their past achievements, need to deliver compelling performances to prove they are part of the future of boxing rather than just its history.

Regarding Alycia Baumgardner, Smith anticipates a forceful performance, expecting her to overpower her opponent and secure a dominant victory, possibly a TKO. Such a display would reinforce Baumgardner's claim as an undisputed champion and potentially open doors for challenges across different weight classes, including a tantalizing prospect against Caroline Dubois. While upsets are always a possibility in boxing, Smith views a win by Metcalf over Johnson, and more surprisingly, Camara over Cameron, as significant, though less probable, outcomes. She emphasizes that while Camara possesses skills, Cameron's determination to rebound from her previous loss should see her through, making an upset in that fight particularly shocking. Ultimately, the undercard promises a series of high-stakes encounters that will undoubtedly captivate boxing enthusiasts and further elevate the profile of women's boxing.