By Rory Carroll
(Reuters) -Amanda Serrano is determined to secure the victory she believes she deserved in the past as she prepares to face undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor in their trilogy bout at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Friday.
Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) has triumphed over Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) in their previous two encounters, both times via judges’ decisions – outcomes that the Puerto Rican star and many fight fans have hotly contested, particularly the result of their second meeting last November, which went in favor of the Irishwoman.
“Losing is never fun, but you only lose if you feel like you lost, and I didn’t feel like I lost,” Serrano told reporters at Wednesday’s press conference.
“My team told me I didn’t lose, that they’re proud of me. Like Jake Paul said, you turn that L into a W – and that’s what we’re going to do come Friday night.”
Taylor, a 2012 London Olympic gold medalist whose four junior welterweight titles will be on the line, was quick to respond.
“But you did lose the fight. You did lose,” Taylor retorted.
“The fact is I am 2-0 against her. Opinions are opinions, but facts are facts, and you can’t get away from those. I’m sick of the complaining and whining from your team.”
Their last meeting was marred by a clash of heads that left Serrano with a deep cut over her right eye. The referee deducted a point from Taylor for headbutts, but all three judges ultimately scored the fight 95-94 in Taylor’s favor.
“Obviously, the judges didn’t see me winning the fight, so something has to change,” Serrano admitted.
“I’m going to use my head – but not the way it was used on me. We’re going to fight a lot smarter this time, and I believe we will come out victorious.”
Friday’s card is a milestone for women’s boxing, featuring eight bouts – all between female fighters – including four unified title fights alongside the Serrano-Taylor welterweight showdown.
“This fight is even bigger than the last two, and to be headlining an all-female card is an absolute privilege,” Taylor said.
“It’s an amazing moment. These are the kinds of nights I dreamt of as a kid. I thank God I’m here and just two days away from making history again.”
The event will be streamed live on Netflix and is being promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, the company founded by social-media-star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who also manages Serrano.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los AngelesEditing by Shri Navaratnam)
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