The Taylor-Serrano battle aroused passions in Madison Square Garden

The historic battle between the Irish Katie Taylor and Puerto Rico Amanda Serrano aroused passions, and a few hours before, the atmosphere was vibrant outside the most important arena in the world, the Madison Square Garden from New York.

The doors opened early so that the 18,000 people who sold all the tickets in the past could enjoy the fight against Taylor (20-0, 6K.O.), the undisputed champion and who showed all his lightweight title to ORM, WBC, WBA and IBF and Serrano (42-1-1, 30 KO), who entered the ring for the historic match for which they were already guaranteed a million dollars each.

Some followers wore T-shirts with the faces of Taylor, number 1 in the world, or Serrano, number 2, who sought to strip the Irishman of his reign and hold the featherweight titles (57kg) of World Boxing Council. (WBC) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Serrano fans arrived at the famous arena with scarves named “Amanda”, jackets with the words “Puerto Rico” written on them, or wrapped in the monostarred flag of the island.

The Irish, who are also a large community in this city, arrived wearing green and white scarves or carrying a flag.

On this night of a battle considered historic, the Empire State Building wore the colors of both countries, thus adding to the frenzy that was characteristic of this contest.

“I think Kate is very fast, very technical, and she’s face better opponents. She’s used to this. Serrano has never face someone like her,” said a Taylor supporter upon arriving at Madison with her country’s flag. .

But Serrano’s fans, mostly Puerto Ricans from across the city and even from other states, have assured that their compatriot will be the new undisputed 135-pound champion and some have predicted that he will win again. by KO, some predict, like Benjamin Cruz, that KO will occur in the eighth round.

In the fights that preceded the historic match, Madison was almost empty, and the music of reggaeton, salsa or Mexican never ended up heating up the atmosphere.

But euphoria prevailed in Madison when the giant screens showed the arrival of Taylor and Serrano and as the time approached for them to enter the ring, public seats and the high-voltage arena filled up.

Although Madison is the mecca of New York boxing — with fights as historic as Mohamed Ali’s against Joe Frazier—, this is the first time a women’s fight has occupied the main card in this area, and before also that two paid the women a million dollars.