Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano can launch new era in boxing

You will struggle to navigate an article about Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano without encountering the words “biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing”, or some variation thereof. They have featured in these very pages and will again before the clash has its conclusion.

There’s good reason for that: the words are the most straightforward, accurate way to sum up this Saturday night’s main event at Madison Square Garden.

The very fact that – for the first time ever – a women’s bout is headlining a card at the iconic New York City venue, one whose history is inextricably intertwined with boxing, marks a momentous development in the women’s side of the sport. In fact, the card has been built around this undisputed title fight.

But the reality is that this contest does not just mark a momentous development for women’s boxing; it transcends that. It represents one of the most significant forward steps in the entire history of the sport.

Irishwoman Taylor, a gold medallist at the 2012 Olympics in London, will enter Madison Square Garden unbeaten at 20-0 and as undisputed women’s lightweight champion. The 35-year-old, who has six knockouts to her name as a professional, is also a former super-lightweight world champion and holds a win against Serrano’s sister Cindy.

Serrano, meanwhile, is unified featherweight champion and has held titles in seven divisions. The Puerto Rican has a considerable record of 42-1-1, having achieved 30 of her victories via knockout. Serrano’s sole defeat came 10 years ago – almost to the day – and the 33-year-old bettered her only draw by beating the opponent in question three times thereafter.

“We are obviously two great champions, the best in the world,” Taylor said on NBC’s Today Show this