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12 July 2025

Baumgardner Defends Title Amid Taylor Serrano Trilogy Clash

Alycia Baumgardner and Katie Taylor headline a historic night of women’s boxing at Madison Square Garden with multiple title defenses and fierce rivalries

On a historic night for women’s boxing at Madison Square Garden, July 11, 2025, the spotlight shone brightly on some of the sport’s most electrifying champions. The event, broadcast live on Netflix, was headlined by the much-anticipated trilogy bout between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, with Alycia Baumgardner defending her undisputed super featherweight titles against unbeaten challenger Jennifer Miranda in the co-main event.

Katie Taylor, now boasting a 25-1 record, successfully defended her unified light-welterweight titles by defeating Amanda Serrano via majority decision. This marked Taylor’s third victory over Serrano, solidifying her dominance in one of boxing’s fiercest rivalries. The fight, held at the iconic Madison Square Garden, was a tightly contested affair, with Taylor’s resilience and tactical prowess earning her the win despite a spirited challenge from Serrano.

The trilogy fight lived up to its billing, with Taylor showcasing her trademark heart and skill. Serrano, who entered the bout with a 47-4-1 record, fought aggressively, but Taylor’s strong finish in the final rounds swayed the judges. The scorecards read 95-94, 95-94, and 94-94, reflecting the razor-thin margin. Despite the controversy and boos from the crowd, Taylor’s victory reaffirmed her status at the pinnacle of women’s boxing.

In the co-main event, Alycia Baumgardner, the undisputed super featherweight champion, faced Jennifer Miranda, an undefeated Spanish veteran making her first fight outside Spain. Baumgardner, with a 15-1 record, entered as a heavy favorite, priced at 1/33 to win, while Miranda was a 10/1 underdog, highlighting the clear expectations on the champion’s shoulders.

Baumgardner’s journey to this night had not been without challenges. In 2023, she retained her undisputed championship against Christina Linardatou via unanimous decision but faced a 10-month ban following adverse findings in a post-fight drug test. Cleared of intentionally ingesting the substance, Baumgardner returned to the ring in a comeback bout against former world champion Delfine Persoon, which ended in a no contest due to an accidental head clash in the fourth round.

Against Miranda, Baumgardner was expected to reassert her dominance. Known for her knockout power, having stopped half of her 14 opponents, Baumgardner’s aggressive style and defensive acumen made her a formidable presence. Compubox statistics revealed that she connects on 41% of her power punches and allows just 4.9 power punches landed per round, ranking third fewest in women’s boxing.

Miranda, undefeated at 12-0, had only stopped one of her opponents and was stepping up to world-class competition for the first time. At 38 years old, this fight marked significant milestones: her first bout outside Spain and her first against a genuine world-class adversary. Despite the odds, she brought an unblemished record and the hunger to upset the champion.

The fight’s atmosphere was electric, with Baumgardner looking to deliver a statement. Analysts predicted a knockout victory for Baumgardner, with odds at +165 for a win via KO/TKO/DQ, reflecting her power and efficiency. The champion’s ability to wear down Miranda while maintaining defensive discipline suggested she could end the fight explosively.

Beyond the main bouts, the card featured several thrilling title fights that underscored the depth and talent in women’s boxing today. Ellie Scotney, undefeated at 10-0, challenged Yamileth Mercado for the IBF, WBC, WBO, and Ring super-bantamweight titles. Both born on the same day in 1998, Mercado brought vast experience with 24 wins and 12 title fights, while Scotney sought to add the WBC belt to her collection.

Super-middleweight powerhouse Savannah Marshall made her return after a two-year hiatus, defending her IBF and WBO titles against the dangerous Shadasia Green. Marshall, who became undisputed champion in 2023, expressed her desire to avenge her only loss to Claressa Shields, eyeing a rematch in the near future.

In the bantamweight division, Cherneka Johnson and Shurretta Metcalf clashed in a unification bout for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring titles. Johnson, who had recently secured the WBA title, was looking to cement her status against Metcalf, a seasoned 40-year-old champion with a four-fight winning streak.

The undercard was equally compelling, featuring interim WBC light-welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron against Jessica Camara. Cameron, known for her stunning victory over Katie Taylor in 2023, was eager to secure a title shot against the winner of the Taylor-Serrano trilogy, though she expressed frustration over the delay of a potential third fight with Taylor.

Other notable bouts included Tamm Thibeault facing undefeated Mary Casamassa, Ramla Ali’s comeback fight against Lila Furtado, and several preliminary contests that showcased emerging talent and seasoned veterans alike.

The event was not without its drama outside the ring. Katie Taylor’s pre-fight comments revealed her frustration with Amanda Serrano’s camp, dismissing their complaints and reaffirming her confidence. Serrano had previously accused Taylor of reneging on an agreement to extend rounds to three minutes, a claim that added tension to the buildup.

Despite the rivalry’s intensity, Serrano later apologized for alleging that Taylor had intentionally headbutted her in their rematch, emphasizing the respect between the fighters outside the ring. This complex mix of competition and camaraderie added layers to an already captivating narrative.

As the night unfolded, fans worldwide witnessed a celebration of women’s boxing at its finest—a blend of history, skill, and fierce competition. Alycia Baumgardner’s defense of her undisputed titles and Katie Taylor’s trilogy victory over Amanda Serrano were the highlights, but the event’s full card demonstrated the sport’s vibrant future.

With Baumgardner poised to potentially challenge the winner of the Taylor-Serrano fight and other champions like Savannah Marshall and Chantelle Cameron making their marks, the landscape of women’s boxing continues to evolve dynamically. This night at Madison Square Garden, streamed globally on Netflix, was a testament to the sport’s growing prominence and the incredible athletes who define it.

As the dust settles, the boxing world awaits the next chapters for these champions, with fans eager for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of rivalries and rise of new stars.