Wrong to say Taylor headbutt deliberate – Serrano

Amanda Serrano says she was wrong to suggest Katie Taylor had headbutted her deliberately in a controversial defeat to the Irish fighter.

The 38-year-old Taylor retained her undisputed light-welterweight title with a contentious points win in Texas, despite being docked a point for a headbutt in the eighth road, while Serrano sustained a cut above her right eye after a clash of heads in the fourth.

A disappointed Serrano afterwards said Taylor kept “headbutting” her and it is “what she does” in “all her fights”.

However, the Puerto Rican fighter subsequently posted on X: “Tempers are flared when you’re in the heat of battle and you say things you shouldn’t say.

“In no way should I ever had said she did it purposely, it’s her style that makes for [clashing of heads].”

All three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Taylor as she secured a second win over her 36-year-old rival in another epic contest following their first encounter in April, 2022.

Taylor, who was booed after the result was announced, said she “didn’t agree with the point deduction” and “certainly wasn’t fighting dirty”.

Serrano also congratulated Taylor on Saturday for her success, adding she never intented to “disrespect” her opponent.

“She and I are cool outside the ring and the best dance partners in the ring,” said the seven-weight world champion.

“I hope you guys all enjoyed women’s boxing at its highest level.”

Serrano added she was “a bit bruised and cut”, but was “healthy” and will be “ready” for Taylor whenever a third bout can be agreed to complete the trilogy.