The right to fight Katie Taylor- Serrano and Hardy trade leather in New York tonight
The fight for the right to challenge Katie Taylor will play out in Madison Square Garden tonight.
Seven weight world champion Amanda Serrano and popular Irish New Yorker Heather Hardy are in fairness stars in their own right – and their clash is massive even with out the Taylor repercussions. Indeed, it may be the most intriguing and eagerly anticipated clash in an action packed weekend of boxing.
From an Irish point of view the all New York featherweight world title fight holds massive significance, as both fighters have agreed to fight the undisputed lightweight world champion if they emerge victorious at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater.
Hardy, whose belt is on the line in what should be the top of the bill, especially considering there is more interest in their fight in terms of tickets sold and media attention than named headline fight between Devin Haney and Russian standout Zaur Abdullaev, has always express a Taylor interest.
However, apart from having her named mentioned a few times never really materalised as a viable opponent. Serrano on the other-hand has been one of the main targets for over a year.
Taylor believes if she was to fight Puerto Rican it would prove to be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing history and when the seven division world champion was given a DAZN contract it had a fight Taylor clause installed.
However, the popular Brooklyn based puncher, who weighed in a two tenths of a pound under the 126 limit yesterday, has blown hot and cold with regard to trading leather with the former amateur ground breaker of late.
The mood changes toward the fight were possibly a ploy to increase the pay packet and seemingly it has worked, as she like Hardy, Serrano has signed an agreement to face the Bray fighter if she manages to win live on DAZN tonight.
Serrano is heavy favourite to beat her friend and fellow MMA combatant, yet Hardy has yet to taste defeat in a boxing ring to date.
When the winner will face the Irish Icon remains to be seen. Irish-boxing.com believe Taylor will fight in Manchester on November 2 and will challenge for a light welterweight world title.
If she emerges victorious from that fight, an undisputed clash at 140lbs with Jessica McCaskill, the Delfine Persoon rematch or the ‘mega fight’ with Serrano or Hardy will be options.
All three look likely to happen in 2020, but in what order remains unsure.
Providing some more tangible Irish interest on the card will be Larry Fryers as he enters 50/50 action with New Yorker Wesley Ferrer.
