‘We dance again in 2023’ – Amanda Serrano accepts Katie Taylor challenge for Croke Park showdown
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano appear on collision course for a rematch at Croke Park next year after the Irish champion racked up her latest win against Karen Elizabeth Carabajal.
The 36-year-old defended her IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine titles with a comfortable unanimous points win in London on Saturday night.
It was Taylor’s second fight of the year having defended her undisputed crown against Serrano in an all-time classic in May, a bout regarded as the biggest in the history of women’s boxing and an immediate fight of the year candidate.
Talks for an immediate rematch were shelved but there is now renewed hope it can take place back home for Taylor at the 82,000-seater Croke Park in Dublin.
Bray fighter Taylor has not fought on Irish soil since turning professional but is now desperate to deliver a huge fight back home.
‘It is very easy to make, I am happy to wait a few months for the biggest fight of my career on the biggest stage you could ask for. That is a dream event for me. I think that would be the biggest event in women’s boxing history,’ said Taylor.
Serrano meanwhile strongly hinted she is ready to take that fight. Shortly after Taylor’s comments, she tweeted: ‘Congratulations. We dance again in 2023.’
Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn meanwhile is adamant Taylor will fight at Croke Park next – even if Serrano isn’t part of the picture.
‘Katie will fight anyone put in front of her,’ Hearn said.
‘We feel Croke Park is filled for any fight, but I still think we want to take a super fight there. It is not just about a celebration of Katie Taylor’s career, it is about the biggest fight available, what she has always been about.
‘I just think after Madison Square Garden, to do two fights one at Madison Square Garden, one at Croke Park, it would be incredible. Serrano is definitely the target. We won’t wait for her because like Katie said after the interview, no pressure.
‘We have kind of dug ourselves into a hole now, I’ve said it. It is happening and it is next. Whoever it is, it will be in Ireland.
‘I just feel that is the perfect fight if everyone is sensible and Katie is obviously. Brian (Peters, Katie’ will push for the best deal. She deserves that but it is about more than that. It is about legacy and a moment Irish sport will never forget.’
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