Shakur Stevenson dominates Oscar Valdez, Katie Taylor wins split decision over Amanda Serrano

LAS VEGAS — Shakur Stevenson jogged around the ring with his hands held high as the seconds ticked away on the biggest night of his career.

For 12 rounds, he practically played with Oscar Valdez in what turned out to be an utter mismatch in the ESPN main event on Saturday before 10,102 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Stevenson is simply that good.

He used an excellent southpaw jab — one of the best weapons in boxing — to keep Valdez at range and set up his own powerful left hand to the body. The unanimous-decision victory, with scores of 118-109, 117-117 and 118-19, handed Stevenson a second title at 130 pounds.

«I'm a superstar in this sport,» said Stevenson, 24. "… Line 'em up. I'm ready for whoever."

Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) delivered a career-best performance in his previous outing, a 10th-round stoppage of Jamel Herring in his first bout against a reigning titleholder. The Newark, New Jersey, native was criticized for his risk-averse style, but against Herring, Stevenson showed a more aggressive side.

Fight recap coming up ...

NEW YORK — The seconds ticked down in the fight and Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano stood at the middle of the ring, caring little about protecting their face, their stance or anything. Hands were thrown constantly from both sides, one-after-another-after-another.

Serrano was bleeding around her right eye. Taylor bleeding around her nose. What was labeled the biggest fight in women's boxing history lived up to the massive hype — and two of the top three fighters of their generation doing everything possible to end the fight on the terms they wanted.

It was a fight that was a thing of beauty — a split decision 97-93, 96-93, 93-97 win for Taylor over Serrano with Taylor keeping her undisputed