The real main event November 15 – Katie Taylor and Amando Serrano run it again

Forget the co-main on November 15 from the ATT Stadium this Friday.

Yes, I know, it’s Mike Tyson – but a 58-year-old version of Tyson who hasn’t fought in 19 years.

His opponent made his name on YouTube. He’s parlayed that into 11 professional fights, winning 10.

You can’t make this up.

I regress – the REAL main event is a rematch between titleholders Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Taylor, who captured gold at the 2012 Olympics, has lost once in 24 fights. She picked up her first title in her ninth professional fight. Five years ago, Taylor defeated Rose Volente for the WBO lightweight championship.

Two gritty fights with Delfine Peterson earned Taylor the WBC lightweight belt.

Serrano won her first title belt in 2011. She’s added three more since. The Puerto Rican native sports a sparkling record of 47 wins in 50 fights. Serrano has starched 31 opponents.

She left her featherweight titles at home when she moved up in weight to challenge Taylor at the hallowed Madison Square Gardin in 2022.

The fight was a barnburner from the opening bell. The back and forth were tenacious.

In the opening round, southpaw Serrano fired a strong jab. Taylor moved and fired a combination. Serrano advanced  – throwing heavy shots.

Taylor dodged, feinted, and scored. Her faster hands connected with a straight left.

In round three, Taylor moved to her left. Serrano stalked and landed two left hands. Taylor fought back. Serrano scored with another left while Taylor rallied at the bell.

Serrano worked the body in round four. Taylor fired back – slowing down and standing her ground.

Round five was a war. Serrano, the heavier puncher, hurt Taylor, wobbling her. Serrano continued to work. Taylor, now bleeding, staggered back to her corner. Serrano had her close to going down on a couple of occasions.

Serrano fired away in round six. Bloody but unbowed, Taylor battled back – landing a three-punch combination.

Taylor tried to time Serrano with counters in round seven. Serrano jabbed and moved inside – cracking Taylor in the ribs. Taylor started fast in round eight. Serrano fired a one-two. Taylor connected with a left hook. She landed a sweeping right. Serrano was missing. Taylor was scoring. Serrano banged to the body. Taylor knocked her back a step with another combination.

Serrano upped the ante in the 10th and final round. Taylor countered – scoring with a left. And a combination. Serrano was also bleeding. Taylor let fly with more shots. Serrano fired back, with both landing punches as the Graden crowd roared.

Scores were 96-94 Serrano, 97-93 Taylor, and 96-93 Taylor. Many disagreed.

Taylor suggested a rematch was in order. Serrano nodded in agreement.

Class.

Taylor said, “The last fight myself and Amanda fought was an epic fight. It was an iconic fight – in front of 20,000 people in Madison Square Garden. It felt like the whole of Puerto Rico and Ireland were there on the stage during that night and now we get to do it again.”

“I think it was always going to happen because Katie and my name are always going to be attached no matter what, and I’m glad to be a part of this to be alongside Katie Taylor,” Serrano said.

Taylor is 38, Serrano 36. The edge goes to Taylor’s quicker hands and feet. Age and wear and tear could be a factor late in the fight.