The atmosphere in the Garden is positively electric in the moments leading up to the national anthems. Sweet Caroline is in the books and Puerto Rican and Irish fans come and go trying to outdo each other on the decibel scale. When Taylor is shown on the Jumbotron, the constant roar from the audience transforms into a high-pitched scream. Same for Serrano, only a little more deafening. Overall, it’s a chilling caliber of atmosphere that we’ve only seen fights at the Garden for Felix Trinidad or Miguel Cotto in the past.
Three hymns: Republic of Ireland, Puerto Rico and the United States. They are happening right now. Ringwalks to come.
Liam Smith just stopped Jessie Vargas in a gruesome battle of attrition before a nearly packed Madison Square Garden. Vargas was lucky to get to the bell late in the ninth round as Liverpool were dishing out punishment, but referee Steve Willis correctly intervened with 2:19 remaining in the tenth.
The main event between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano is up next. While we wait, here’s Donald McRae’s interview with Taylor from earlier this week.
Smith and Vargas are in the seventh round of their round of 12 heading into tonight’s main event. In the meantime, here’s Tess Crain’s look at Amanda Serrano, whose unlikely association with YouTuber-turned-boxer-turned-promoter Jake Paul has given one of boxing’s most decorated yet overlooked champions the promotional boost he needs to garner the buzz. first seven-figure bag. of his career
While the pair may seem odd (the hyper-focused Serrano doesn’t date, drink or have a cell phone, while the extremely online Paul puts “social” and “media” on social media), they’ve proven to be a powerful plugin. Serrano gives Paul credibility as an athlete and casts him in a benevolent new light as a champion of women in the sport. In the meantime, he has helped raise his profile beyond boxing circles and given him an unprecedented edge in securing fights like this.
Paul evaluated Serrano’s social media presence and provided him with specific ways to amplify his brand: what and when to post, how to engage with fans online, take professional photos. Her followers on Instagram and Twitter have increased. “It’s definitely a big help,” Serrano said. “Now I have Jake Paul behind me and promoting me, shining that light and writing about me on social media and giving me that push.” He has been worth it. Along with history and glory, this will be the first seven-figure purse of Serrano’s career.
Liam Smith of Liverpool and Jessie Vargas of the United States are in the ring for tonight’s final preliminary fight. A sold out audience of around 18,000 is expected for tonight’s card and many of them are already in their seats.
Taylor and Serrano were shown entering the arena on the Jumbotron between rounds during the previous fight. The sight of Taylor drew joyous cheers from the stands, but there was an even bigger ripple of noise for Serrano, who appears to enjoy a marginal advantage in crowd support.
The atmosphere in and around the building has been sizzling all night. And here’s something you don’t normally see: At least three of the Irish pubs on Seventh Avenue were packed with fight fans watching the DAZN broadcast during my walk to the Garden tonight. Normally, TV restrictions around fights make it almost impossible for local bars to show boxing when it’s so close, but the normal rules have been lifted for the night and only add to the sense of occasion.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to New York for tonight’s showdown between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for the undisputed lightweight championship. We’re ringside at Madison Square Garden for this highly anticipated meeting between the world’s top two female boxers, regardless of weight – the first summit meeting between consensus No. 1 and No. 2 on the men’s or women’s pound-for-pound list since the second fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2008.
Remarkably, tonight’s main event marks the first time two women have been the main attraction in the 140-year history of the historic Manhattan venue.
The penultimate undercard fight between Baltimore’s Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Sweden’s Elin Cederroos has just concluded with Crews-Dezurn winning a lopsided unanimous decision to become the first undisputed super middleweight champion in women’s boxing history. Up next is a 12-round junior middleweight bout between Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith, followed by Taylor and Serrano, who should be ringwalking near the top of the hour. Much more to come from time to time!
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Donald McRae’s preview of tonight’s main event.
Reference-www.theguardian.com