In a fight that exceeded huge expectations Katie Taylor won a 10-round split decision in front of a raucous and sold-out 19, 187 at Madison Square Garden.

The bout was billed as the best female fight of all-time, it delivered and then some. The two came out on even terms, with Taylor boxing just a hair better to take a slight early lead.

Serrano hurt Taylor badly in both rounds five and six with hard combinations. Taylor wanted to stand toe-to-toe with Serrano and paid dearly for it. Taylor seemed wobbly and unsettled as she stood in her corner between rounds five and six. Taylor was able stem the tide and start scoring from distance with quick combinations. Several times down the stretch, the two best female fighters on the world electrified The Garden Crowd by exchanging in the midst of furious flurries. The two did that until the very bell in this sure-fire Fight of the Year contender.

Taylor landed 147 of 575 punches; Serrano was 175 of 624.

Taylor of Bray, IRE took two cards by scores of 97-93 and 96-93. Serrano of Brooklyn, NY won a card by 96-94.

Taylor is now 21-0. Serrano is 42-2-1.

“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters,” said Taylor. “Look what we have just done, selling out Madison Square Garden, the biggest venue in boxing history. 
 
“Both of us have broken so many barriers in her careers. It feels great to be in this position really! Amazing fight. What a night!
 
“I knew exactly how deep I had to dig in this fight. I knew going into it that I was going to be in the trenches at some stage. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person. 
 
“I was listening to my trainer and I’m so grateful for Ross. Thank you for everything. You’re such a humble guy but you’re the best in the world.”

Smith Batters, Stops Vargas in 10

In a battle of former world champions, Liam Smith stopped Jessie Vargas in round 10 of their 12-round junior middleweight clash.

The fight was close through four rounds, with several even exchanges occurring between the two fighters. The naturally bigger Smith began to take over and started beating up Vargas. With each successive round, Vargas looked more tired, which opened for more powerful shots to land by Smith. Finally in round 10, Smith landed a big left hook that set off an unanswered flurry that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 41 seconds.

Smith of Liverpool, UK is 31-3-1 with 18 knockouts. Vargas of Las Vegas falls to 29-4-2.

Crews-Dezurn Decisions Cederroos to win Undisputed Super Middleweight Crown

Franchon Crews-Dezurn won the Undisputed Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elin Cederroos.

It was an action packed fight that saw Crews-Dezurn land a lot of overhand shots that forced the nose of Cederroos to bleed as early as round four.

Crews-Dezurn landed 171 of 439 punches; Cederroos was 108 of 511.

Crews-Dezurn of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 8-1. Cederroos of Sweden is 8-1.

Yafai Stops Cartagena After 2

2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Galal Yafai stopped Miguel Cartagena after round two of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.

Yafai dominated Cartagena all over the ring for both rounds until the fight was stopped.

Yafai of Birmingham, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Cartagena of Philadelphia i 17-7-1.

NEW YORK–Austin Williams destroyed Chordale Booker in the opening round of the 10-round middleweight bout.

Williams hurt Booker and the pounded away on him with Booker sitting on the ropes for a scored knockdown. Booker was deemed unable to continue at 2:25.

Williams of Houston, TX is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Booker of Stamford, CT is 17-1.

Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joe Eli Hernandez in a super lightweight bout.

Mati, 143.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 12-0. Hernandez, Matarnoros, MEX is 12-2.

Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Shanecqua Paisley Davis in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Nicolson capped off the victory by dropping Davis with a straight left.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Yatala, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 3-0. Davis, 125.2 lbs of Houston is 3-2.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over William Langston in a light heavyweight bout.

Coe, 174. lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 3-0-1. Langston, 173 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 6-3.

Galal Yafai will make his American debut in the pro ranks as he defends his WBC International Flyweight Title against Miguel Cartagena on the undercard of the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.  TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM  Yafai (1-0 1 KO) made his hotly-anticipated pro bow in February at The O2 in London, and showed why there was such a scramble to sign the 2020 Olympic Gold medal winner by stopping Carlos Bautista inside five rounds to land the crown he puts on the line in the Big Apple.   The 29 year old is the youngest of the three talented Yafai brothers from Birmingham, England, and follows former World ruler Kal in stepping through the ropes Stateside, but could face a hostile crowd when doing so against Cartagena (17-6-1 8 KOs), the Puerto Rican from Philadelphia who will be hoping the Puerto Rican fans there to roar on Serrano in the main event will back him to derail Yafai’s journey early.   “I’m hugely excited for my second professional fight on the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano Undisputed Lightweight World Title show at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York on April 30,” said Yafai. “Big thanks to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for getting me out so soon after my debut win in London earlier this year.   “Boxing at such an iconic venue in just my second fight is a massive box ticked for me and I’m looking to impress in front of an American audience and all around the world on DAZN. Miguel Cartagena is another opponent that will be coming to win on home soil, but I’ll be keeping hold of my belt with a stylish win and to show people how good I am.”   “This is a huge opportunity for me and one I’ve been waiting for,” said Cartagena. “I know they think this is a showcase for him, but they are in for a rude awakening. I wanted this fight. I’ve been asking for it.   “I know the Puerto Rican fans will be there supporting me and I don’t plan on disappointing them. They made a mistake and come April 30 they are going to find out.” “This is a great opportunity for Galal to show the world what we all think – that he’s a very, very special fighter,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “These are the spotlights and platforms that rising talents thrive on, and i expect Galal to do just that – but with the Puerto Rican fans on his side, Miguel is going to give everything he’s got to spoil Galal’s night. It’s another great addition to what promises to be an unforgettable night in New York.”   Yafai’s clash with Cartagena is part of a huge night of action in New York, topped by Taylor and Serrano becoming the first female fighters to headline the iconic venue.   Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meet in a must-win battle at Super-Welterweight and there’s more undisputed action on the card as Franchón Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos decide who is the top dog at Super-Middleweight.   Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is in a tough test with fellow unbeaten Middleweight Chordale Booker, Reshat Mati is always popular in his home city and the ‘Albanian Bear’ meets Joe Eli Hernandez over eight rounds, and Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe makes the short trip from Jersey City to face William Langston over six.

Bensalem, PA–Miguel Cartagena ends his one-year year layoff when he headlines a seven-bout card against Jesus Soler, of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in an eight-round flyweight contest as part of Xcite Fight Night 4 at Parx Casino® on Saturday evening, June 15.

Cartagena, 26, of Philadelphia, PA, has not boxed since last June 29 when he dropped an eight-round split decision to Carlos Maldonado, of Los Angeles, in the same ring. A knockdown suffered in the last round cost Cartagena (15-5-1, 6 KOs) the decision.

“I’m excited to be fighting at home again” Cartagena said. “I’m working on staying focused in the ring and sticking to the game plan. I’m going to go out and deliver a main event performance for the fight.”

Cartagena is looking to change his luck both with his record and at home in the fight with the 30-year-old Soler (10-1-1 5 KOs), who is fighting stateside for the second time in his career. Soler’s only loss was in 2013 and since then he’s racked up six wins, three by knockout.

“I am very grateful to God and to my management team, Pivott Boxing, for presenting me with this opportunity.” said Soler. “We are getting ready to put on a great performance. On June 15 in Pennsylvania, there is going to be a war. You will see a very focused Soler. We are training very hard with the best sparring partners Puerto Rico has to offer. I will accept nothing less than a victory. I really hope my opponent is also training hard because on that night he will go to war with a warrior hungrier and more aggressive than anyone he has ever faced. We owe the fans a great performance on June 15.”

This main event will delight boxing fans as both flyweights not only carry the speed and punching precision the division is known for but also carry power.

Also featured on the Xcite Fight Night 4 card will be an all-Philadelphia lightweight showdown as Jerome Conquest (10-3-0 1 KO), fresh off of a win in the last Xcite Fight Night, will take on Frank Trader (12-2-1 3 KOs), in the eight-round co-feature.

ABOUT JUNE 15

The June 15 card will consist of seven fights, beginning at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions. This event is only for adults age 21 and older. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $100 are on sale at Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000). You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) and at www.parxcasino.com

ABOUT PARX CASINO®

Parx Casino® is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing, Inc. and is the #1 revenue generating casino property in Pennsylvania. Parx Casino® is conveniently located 20 minutes north of center city Philadelphia, I-95 exit 37 or PA Turnpike exit 351 (westbound), exit 352 (eastbound) on Street Road in Bensalem Bucks County. Parx features over 200,000 square feet of gaming; 3,270 slot machines and 148 live table games; 40 poker tables; live racing & simulcast action; Parx Grill, an upscale signature restaurant; Foodies quick service dining; Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and SportsBar; Jax sports bar; Circle Bar; Bambu Noodle House; The Lucky Cheese ~ gourmet grilled cheese eatery; XLounge, luxury casino lounge and complimentary parking for over 5,000 cars. One year ago, Parx debuted a $50M expansion that included the 1,500-seat live entertainment venue, Xcite Center; Liberty Bell Gastropub, farm-to-fork inspired menu; Oliveto, New York City style pizza and Italian Classics; Parx Poker, new custom built private poker room. In 2019, Parx launched sports betting and opened a massive year-round Beer Garden to rave reviews. For more information on Parx Casino®, visit www.parxcasino.com.

ATLANTIC CITY (October 23, 2018)–Welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna takes on former world title challenger Mike Arnaoutis for the New Jersey State Welterweight Title in the eight-round main event for will headline a full night of action on Friday night, November 16th at The Bourbon Room inside The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

The card is promoted by Rising Star Promotions.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 26-2-1 with nine knockouts.

The 26 year-old LaManna is a seven-year professional, who won his first 16 bouts.

LaManna is currently riding a six-fight unbeaten streak. He has wins over Kendall Mena (20-3), and in his last bout he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Matthew Strode (25-6) on August 18th in Atlantic City.

This will be LaManna’s 7th consecutive start in Atlantic City, and 20 bout overall on the boardwalk.

Arnaoutis of Atlantic City, New Jersey via Athens, Greece has a record of 26-11-2 with 13 knockouts.

Arnaoutis began his career in 2001 and was undefeated in his first 16 bouts, which included wins over Hector Saez (4-1), Former world title challenger Jesse Feliciano (12-2-2), Joaquin Gallardo (16-2-1), Roberto Santa Cruz (11-2), Jose Leo Moreno (12-0) & Marc Thompson (14-0). Arnaoutis fought to a disputed draw with future world champion Juan Urango.

Arnaoutis challenged for the WBO Junior Welterweight title against Ricardo Torres on November 18, 2006. Aranoutis lost a split decision that many ringside observers thought Arnaoutis had pulled out the victory.

Arnaoutis has picked up victories over Lanardo Tyner (19-0) & Nasser Athumani (20-5-2).

In his bout, Arnaoutis lost to top prospect Jaron Ennis on June 1st in Atlantic City.

In the eight-round co-feature, Chris Thomas will defend the New Jersey State Middleweight Title against Eddie Edmond.

Thomas (10-0-1, 7 KOs) of Toms River, New Jersey won The New Jersey State Middleweight Title when scored a 3rd round stoppage over Darryl Bunting on June 1st.

The 20 year Thomas is a two-year professional, and is coming off a 2nd round knockout over 147-fight veteran Roberto Valenzuela on July 28th in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Edmond of Newark, New Jersey has a record of 4-5-2 with one knockout.

The 32 year-old is a 10-year professional is looking to get back in the win column after losing to Isiah Seldon on May 27th, 2016 in Atlantic City.

Also in an eight-round bout, Greg Jackson (8-7-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Juan Rodriguez Jr. (13-5, 3 KOs) of Union City, New Jersey in a welterweight rematch of a controversial bout that took place three years ago.

In that bout, most people who saw that bout had Jackson ahead at the time of a melee that happened in the crowd, and the bout was halted as there was not any ambulance onsite due to it being used to transport injured fans.

On November 16th, Jackson and Rodriguez will get it on again to settle the score.

In six-round bouts:

Miguel Cartagena (15-5-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a flyweight contest.

John Bauza (11-0, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, New Jersey takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Donald Smith (7-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Tyrone Luckey (9-9-3, 7 KOs) of Neptune, New Jersey in a featherweight contest.

Yurik Mamedov (10-1, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Omar Salem (5-0, 2 Kos) of Brooklyn, NY takes on Albert Delgado (0-5-3) of Roanoke, VA in a middleweight bout.

Isiah Hart (1-0, 1 KO) of Atlantic City takes on Leon DeShields of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout

Joel De La Paz (8-1, 4 KOs) of Atlantic City takes on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight fight.

Ryan Wilczak (7-0, 3 KOs) of Scranton, PA will see action in a middleweight bout.

Ry’Shine Collins (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

More bouts will be announced shortly.