Jesus. The Taylor-Serrano rivalry just went from respectful to downright nasty. After two years of nothing but professional courtesy between these boxing legends, the gloves have officially come off – and I'm not talking about the ones they wear in the ring.
I was actually at their first fight back in 2022 at Madison Square Garden. Paid $340 for decent seats and it was worth every penny. That night was electric – easily the best women's boxing match I've ever witnessed. My buddy Steve (who swore women's boxing was "boring") texted me afterward: "I've never been so wrong about anything in my life."
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What the hell happened to the mutual respect?
Things got ugly at teh press conference for their upcoming trilogy fight on July 11th. Amanda Serrano came out swinging with accusations that Taylor backed out of a verbal agreement to fight with men's rules – 12 three-minute rounds instead of the women's standard 10 two-minute rounds.
"We shook on it," Serrano insisted. "If you can roll the tapes, we shook on it. She didn't agree when we went to sign the contract."
Listen. I've covered enough boxing to know that verbal agreements mean absolutely nothing in this sport. But Serrano wasn't finished.
The Headguard Stunt That Had Everyone Talking
In what might be the weirdest face-off moment I've seen since that time McGregor brought a chair to a press conference in 2016, Serrano showed up wearing a freaking headguard during their staredown. It was a not-so-subtle jab at Taylor, who Serrano's camp has accused of winning their rematch by causing cuts through accidental headbutts.
The whole thing felt like something Jake Paul (Serrano's promoter) would dream up after three Red Bulls and not enough sleep.
Taylor's ice-cold response
Taylor, ever the composed champion, wasn't having any of it. The 38-year-old Irish icon basically told Serrano to get in line.
"I think as a matter of principle that the challenger shouldn't be dictating the terms of the fight," Taylor fired back. "I am 2-0 here and I'm in the driver's seat... At the end of the day Amanda needs this fight a lot more than I do."
Ouch.
The numbers don't lie (or do they?)
Here's where boxing gets frustrating for casual fans. In their rematch, Serrano actually landed more punches (324 to Taylor's 217) and had better accuracy (44% compared to Taylor's 41%). Yet Taylor still got the decision.
I remember watching that fight with my dad who's been following boxing since the 70s. He turned to me after they announced Taylor as the winner and just shook his head. "Boxing judges," he muttered. That's all he needed to say.
The first fight was closer – Taylor landed fewer punches but was more accurate until Serrano started landing heavy in the middle rounds. I had Taylor winning by a hair, but many disagreed.
The 3-minute round debate nobody asked for
Taylor couldn't resist taking a dig at Serrano's previous attempt at fighting with 3-minute rounds against Danila Ramos in 2023.
"I think the point of the three-minute rounds was to prove to people that you get more knockouts," Taylor said with a hint of smugness. "How many knockouts did you get in your 12 three-minute rounds? Zero."
God. These two really know how to get under each other's skin now.
Whatever happens on July 11th at Madison Square Garden, one thing's certain – the days of mutual admiration between these two pioneers are over. And maybe that's exactly what this trilogy needed – a little genuine bad blood to spice things up.
Poor boxing fans... we thought we were getting another showcase of technical brilliance, but instead we're getting a soap opera with punches. And you know what? I'm totally here for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone look for in a boxing coach or trainer?
When looking for a trainer or boxing coach, it is important to look at their coaching style compatibility and experience. They should also have a good understanding of the technical and strategy aspects of boxing. A good trainer will emphasize safety, fitness, and personal development. Additionally, it is essential to have a coach who communicates effectively and motivates you to reach your full potential in boxing.
How do boxers maintain weight and their weight class?
Boxers manage their weight by adhering to strict diets and precise training regimens. They work with nutritionists on a diet plan designed to help them reach their weight target without sacrificing the nutrition and energy needed for training. Regular weight checks and consistent exercise are essential, especially when a fight is approaching. Weight management, when done wrong, can lead health issues and poor performance.
Can anyone learn professional boxing?
Not everyone can compete at the professional level. Professional boxing requires a unique blend of talent, physical abilities, mental toughness, and dedication. The sport has inherent risks that potential boxers will have to be willing and able to take. A thorough evaluation by a trainer will help determine the potential of a person to have a successful career in boxing.
What is required for a professional boxer to begin?
If you are just starting out in professional boxing, essential equipment for beginners includes boxing gloves and hand wraps. Also, a mouthguard is necessary, as well as headgear, proper footwear, and a mouthguard. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. It's crucial to use quality equipment that offers protection and durability, as subpar gear can increase the risk of injury.
What does it take to start training for professional boxing?
To begin training for professional boxing, one must possess a strong commitment to physical fitness, discipline, and a willingness to learn. Initial training involves mastering the fundamentals, including stance, footwork, punches, and defensive techniques. It's imperative to join a reputable boxing gym with experienced trainers who understand the nuances of professional competition. Beginner boxers are usually subjected to a strict regimen of technique drills, conditioning and sparring before they consider competing.
What age can you learn to box professionally?
Age restrictions do exist in professional boxing. Most boxing commissions require that boxers be 18 years or older to compete professionally. At the upper end of the spectrum, there is no age limit per se, but physical ability and health will limit an individual's ability to compete safely. The fitness of older athletes and the risks involved in taking up professional sports must be carefully assessed before they begin.
What is the basic training program of a Boxer?
A boxer’s regular training routine usually consists of multiple key components. These include technical skills development, tactics drills, strength-and-conditioning, sparring, as well as mental preparation. Technique-focused workouts improve punch accuracy and defensive maneuvers, while tactical drills develop fight strategies. Training exercises increase athleticism and sparring gives you a practical fighting experience. Mental training focuses on building confidence, focus, and resilience.
Statistics
- Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
External Links
How To
How to Develop Strong Boxing Footwork
Strong boxing footwork is an essential skill for professional boxers. Start by improving your stability with balance exercises. Implement agility ladder drills to increase foot speed and coordination. Mirror shadowboxing can help you refine and observe your movements. Jump rope workouts will help build your endurance and rhythm. Regular sparring sessions provide experience on how you can move around in the ring effectively under pressure.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/fury-needs-to-man-up-and-call-aj-himself-says-hearn-whos-clearly-fed-up
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