On April 30, the boxing world will stop to witness Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano, where the pride, significance and fight purse will stand far beyond anything seen in the women’s game.
With the help of Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul, the battle between Ireland and Puerto Rico has gathered global attention. But the pair of controversial characters wouldn’t back the contest if they didn’t believe in it. After a heavily promoted build-up, the two women will finally trade blows in the centre of Madison Square Garden.
Taylor has long awaited a fight of this magnitude, and now she finally has it. The Irish hero has won world titles in two weight classes and captured an Olympic gold medal. But after spellbinding fans with her hand speed and ringcraft, has the big one come a couple of years too late?
Many pundits feel she’s slipping down the hill. Although she holds the undisputed championship – which made this fight a reality – she didn’t necessarily earn them in the ring, with most pundits feeling she lost comprehensively to Delfine Persoon on two occasions. But after a terrific victory against Tasha Jonas, her fans are hoping she can come out on top one last time.
However, it won’t be easy.
In the opposite corner stands a seven-weight world champion with silky skills and the power to put her lights out with either hand. The contest truly has all the makings of an absolute barnburner, so it’s no surprise they’re set to earn so much.
Read: Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano: UK start time, how to watch, how much, fight card.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano fight purse
Whether you like him or not, the challenger’s controversial promoter has made a significant impact in the women’s game. In an interview with The MMA Hour, he explained how much money the two women will make.
He said: “Yeah, they’re getting paid in the seven figures, which is historic. It’s never happened for women – guaranteed seven figures – plus pay-per-view. Obviously, it’s going to be a massive pay-per-view.
“This is life-changing, I think, for both girls and especially – I know – for Amanda Serrano because I heard her stories about how much she was getting paid since day one. And that’s what really initially sparked my desire to want to help her.
“Because I was like, ‘how is the only boxer to win more… championships [than] Manny Pacquiao, you’re in second place behind Manny Pacquiao… and you’re getting paid $20,000?’ This is absurd.”
Biggest fight purses in women’s history
Throughout her career, Taylor has cemented herself as the best-paid female in boxing. But there’s one woman who still stands above her as the highest-earning athlete in women’s combat sports. And it’s none other than ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey. In her last fight against Amanda Nunes, she made $3 million.
But regardless of who made more between the pair of sporting legends, they’ve both pioneered the women’s game. And because of them, women in boxing and indeed MMA will receive the exposure and pay they deserve.
Featured Image Credit: Getty