
July 3rd heralded the release of the highly anticipated UFC documentary “Taylor vs. Serrano” on Netflix. This compelling film serves as a prelude to the eagerly awaited bout scheduled for July 11th, and it’s certainly something that fans and curious spectators alike will want to delve into.
Taylor, a formidable UFC champion, has roots firmly planted in Ireland, via Connecticut, which she also calls home. Her dedication to the sport of boxing has been a lifelong pursuit, having begun her training at the tender age of 12. Under the expert guidance of her father, himself a champion, she honed her skills with relentless determination. Taylor’s journey to success is marked by numerous achievements, highlighted by her first major victory in 2004, as noted by the Olympics.
From there, she continued her upward trajectory, consistently demonstrating her unwavering commitment to both sport and the pursuit of excellence.
Not only is she the reigning lightweight champion, but she is also celebrated as the 2012 Lightweight Olympic gold medalist, a testament to her prowess and dedication. Her journey in the octagon is marked by formidable victories over opponents like Jessica McCaskill, Delfine Persoon, Natasha Jonas, and Amanda Serrano, showcasing her skill and tenacity. Her career in athletics, however, has been far from singular. As ESPN highlights, she has also graced the soccer pitch, demonstrating her versatility and passion for sports.
Taylor has emerged as more than just an athlete; she is a beacon of high achievement, inspiring pride throughout her nation. As the Olympics platform also proudly cites,
“Taylor was Ireland’s first Olympic Games boxing champion since Michael Carruth at Barcelona in 1992,” marking a significant milestone in Irish sports history. Her legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and national pride.”
Her current record boasts an impressive 24 victories and only one defeat, with a total of six knockouts.
The highly anticipated event has her once again facing off against Serrano, making it a must-watch spectacle for many UFC enthusiasts. Her opponent is equally skilled in the octagon, and it is this level of expertise that fuels the excitement for the forthcoming showdown.
“The Real Deal,” Serrano has an outstanding record that speaks volumes. A powerhouse in her own right, Serrano has accumulated 47 wins and just three losses. Of those 47 victories, an astonishing 31 were achieved by knockout, giving her a formidable 60.78% knockout rate, as per the World Boxing Association. Hailing from Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Serrano brings more than just heart to the ring. Much like Taylor, it’s evident that boxing runs in the family. Her passion for the sport was cultivated by watching her older sister, who also sought to make her mark in the boxing world.
Serrano is known for her indomitable fighting spirit, a relentless force that drives her through every challenge. Giving up is simply not in her nature. When she sets her sights on a goal, she pursues it with unwavering determination until she achieves it. There is no room for hesitation or retreat. Serrano goes toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow with her opponents. Her professional debut on March 20, 2009, showcased her tenacity as she won by a four-round majority decision.
With each subsequent bout, she firmly established that the title “the real deal” was rightfully hers, demonstrating her unmatched prowess and unwavering dedication to the sport. In 2016, Serrano’s relentless pursuit of excellence paid off as she became the WBO Featherweight Champion. As noted by Women Boxing,
“Serrano spectacularly clinched the title, winning by a first-round knockout in that memorable bout.”
This will not mark the first Taylor vs. Serrano encounter in the octagon. Each of their meetings has been a grueling contest of endurance and skill. As ESPN highlights, their initial face-off took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in 2022. In a nail-biting match, Taylor emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins with a split decision. It was a groundbreaking moment, as it was the first time two women headlined at the storied venue, each taking home a seven-figure paycheck, setting a precedent in women’s boxing.
The pair reportedly clashed again, and once more, the outcome was anything but straightforward. The decision was fiercely contested, with ESPN noting that,
“Though most of the crowd—and the stats—seemed to favor Serrano, all three judges scored it 95-94 in favor of Taylor.”
It did not matter which side the critics supported; there was a unanimous agreement on one point: it was a fight that held spectators spellbound. Both fighters are celebrated as two of the finest in their weight class, pound for pound. Now, they are set to face each other again in what promises to be another electrifying clash.
The recently released documentary serves as a tantalizing appetizer, offering a glimpse into the intensity and passion behind the scenes while sparking anticipation for what’s on the horizon. Directed by the talented duo Jackie Decker and Tim Mullen, the film is brought to life by the compelling narration of Uma Thurman.
This upcoming fight is nothing short of historic. It stands as one of the most significant boxing bouts to be streamed on Netflix since the electrifying Tyson and Paul showdown. According to Tudum, it marks the inaugural all-women’s professional boxing card. As Netflix TUDUM highlights, this bout is “powered by Most Valuable Promotions’ mission to elevate women fighters on the biggest stage.”
For those who crave a taste of the dedication and effort these two fierce competitors have invested in preparing for one of the most monumental nights in their lives and the annals of women’s boxing, this documentary offers an enticing preview of history in the making. That concludes my rant on the Taylor vs. Serrano impending clash.
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