Five Biggest Rivalries in Women’s Boxing History Ranked

On July 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Katie Taylor will once again face her old foe Amanda Serrano, this time in their third meeting. With Taylor currently leading 2-0, it got us thinking at Big Fight Weekend about womens boxing rivalries. Here we rank the five biggest in the sport.

Women’s Boxing Rivalries: Looking at the Five Biggest

1 – Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano

At the top of our womens boxing rivalries list, it has to be Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano. As these two prepare for their third match-up, we look back at their two memorable previous bouts. The first fight between the two took place on April 30, 2022, and it was a historic encounter.

It was a back-and-forth fight with both having their moments, including a stunning fifth round, where Serrano looked on the verge of stopping the Irish fighter. Taylor used all her experience to weather the storm as Serrano brought plenty of power. The speed and bravery of Taylor were telling factors as she rallied late to retain her lightweight titles via a split decision 94–96, 97–93, and 96–93.

2 – Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall

Next on our list is Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall. This is a fierce rival that dates back to their amateur days. Marshall remains to this day the only fighter who has defeated Shields. This bout took place at the 2012 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.

Shields got her revenge on October 15, 2022, when the American won by unanimous decision, with the judges’ scorecards reading 97-93 x2 and 96-94. It feels inevitable that we will see Shields vs Marshall 3 in the future.

3 – Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron

On May 20, 2023, Katie Taylor had her homecoming fight at the 3Arena in Dublin, facing Chantelle Cameron. It was an entertaining bout between the two, with “Il Capo” landing the cleaner punches. She deserved the majority decision win, with the judge’s scorecards reading 96-94 x2 and 95-95

The rematch took place on November 25, 2023, at the 3Arena once again. The Irish fighter would not be denied – as her work rate helped her gain a majority decision victory, 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95. Two memorable fights that ensure this rivalry make our womens boxing rivalries list.

Could we see Taylor vs Cameron 3 in the future?

4 – Laila Ali vs Christy Martin

On August 23, 2003, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila dominated Christy Martin for the first three rounds, before stopping her in the fourth round.

Ali picked her punches impressively from the first bell. Her power and accuracy were too much for Martin. There was no love lost before the fight, with a press conference scuffle and plenty of verbal sparring. But it was all one-sided on fight night with Ali showcasing her dominance. It was a fierce rival in the lead-up, with the undefeated sensation Ali defeating the pioneer Martin.

5 – Seniesa Estrada vs Marlen Esparza

Last, but not least, on our womens boxing rivalries list is Seniesa Estrada vs Marlen Esparza from November 2, 2019. There was no shortage of trash talk in the build-up, and it was clear there was little, if any, respect between the two.

It was an entertaining fight, but the cleaner, heavier punches came from Estrada, who was more active and consistent throughout. The bout was ultimately stopped in the ninth round due to a nasty cut sustained by Esparza.

At the time of the stoppage, the judges had it 88-83, 89-82 and 90-81. Esparza wasn’t happy and voiced her displeasure at the scorecards, but looking back, the judges got it right.

Even after they shared the ring, the animosity remained, but Estrada walked away with the bragging rights.