Katie Taylor says she’s ready for a Amanda Serrano fight now!
Up next, undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KO’s) will face the challenge of Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KO’s). The two will match wits with one another this September 4, on the undercard of the Lara versus Warrington rematch. The event will mark the fourth defense of Taylor’s quartet of titles. It will also be the first fight for Han in a bit over a year and a half. Earlier this year, in February, the proud Texan mother gave birth to her second son.
Carrying and delivering her child is the reason why she had remained out of the ring for the extended period. In fact, her dustup with Taylor will only stand as her third prizefight in the last three years. Putting that to the side for a second, Han is enjoying a seven year, eight bout win streak since losing to Ji Hye Woo on March 23, 2014. Yet, some will have a hard time believing that Han can overcome Taylor’s skillset, her own inactivity and the 75+ pounds that she had to shed to get ready for this next assignment.
TALK IS CHEAP!
Given the tall order in front of her, most are tabbing Taylor to emerge as the clear and dominant victor. Understandably, given she prevails, the next question becomes: ‘who’s next?’ Being as immensely popular and visible as she is, the Irish champion is constantly being called out. Therefore ,sometimes juicy potential challengers come her way.
Just this past weekend, she received something of a “reservation” call-out by WBO and WBC featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (41-1-1, 30 KO’s). After outworking and outclassing Yamileth Mercado, the Real Deal expressed her interest in a future showdown with Taylor. Thankfully, Taylor let it be known that she was more than available for Serrano right now.
“I think she was saying after that ,she wants to unify that division first. So I don’t know when that fight is going to be made. That is a fight that has obviously been talked about for years and the fight hasn’t happened, not because of me. I obviously want the fight and I obviously want the names and the big fights. So I guess the ball is on her court!”
WILL IT HAPPEN THOUGH??
Some have given Amanda Serrano grief about her opponent selection for years. To begin, her detractors highlight the fact that Serrano has mainly picked up vacant titles rather than toppling sitting champions. There is also the notion that she has dropped in weight with such consistency in order to avoid tougher fights. Similarly, Serrano has regularly been accused of being a weight bully.
Mercado, as was two more of Serrano’s last four opponents, was moving up in weight to fight the Puerto Rican. Seemingly preying on smaller opponents has left a sour taste in the mouths of many individuals. Naturally the boxing world would love to feast their eyes upon a Taylor versus Serrano showdown. Yet, as the Irish bruiser said herself, the ball is in the Real Deal’s court.
Penning a bout with Katie Taylor would only bolster her reputation with fans and potentially sway former haters into her favor. Unfortunately, let Serrano tell it, even if the bout does take place, it will be some time down the road. Let’s just hope that nothing causes it to lose its luster in the meantime!
By: Bakari Simpson
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