Years from now, people will still ask: Where were you when Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano in the first women’s boxing trilogy fight?

Madison Square Garden, known as the “Mecca of Boxing,” witnessed history on Friday night. Taylor and Serrano headlined The Garden’s first all-women’s boxing card, setting a Guinness World Record with 17 world championship belts contested on a single fight card.

“Absolutely unbelievable to be part of a show like this and to be headlining an all-female card,” Taylor said. “It was an absolute privilege. These are the sort of opportunities that people didn’t think were even possible a few years ago.”

Taylor and Serrano fought in front of 19,721 people. The Garden was alive with chants of “Ole!” and each fighter’s name.

“When I was out there and Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano were walking out, that stadium was absolutely electric,” said Cherneka Johnson, who became Australia’s first undisputed bantamweight champion in the modern four-belt era. “I had goosebumps and it was like, ‘Wow this is truly happening.’”

The third bout was close. Taylor used her footwork while Serrano pressured her with power shots.

Taylor won, as she had in the first two bouts. The judges awarded her a unanimous decision: 95–95, 97–93, 97–93.

Taylor and Serrano will not fight again. Taylor is the winner. There’s no disputing that. There is also a second winner: the sport of women’s boxing.

“Nobody lost tonight,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions.

It had been three years since Taylor and Serrano first headlined at The Garden.

The Taylor-Serrano rivalry has brought unprecedented attention to women’s boxing. Taylor, 39, is Ireland’s undisputed world champion, improving to 25–1 with the victory. Serrano, 36, is the only Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in more than four weight classes.

Taylor and Serrano’s rivalry was a true championship-caliber battle — one that’s now over, but will be remembered for making history.

“We created history together three times,” Taylor said. “My name will always be embedded with hers forever. I’m very, very happy about that. What we’ve been able to create over these last few years has been unbelievable.”

That raises the question: What is the future of women’s boxing?

“The next evolution is just women knowing who they are each and every day,” said Alycia Baumgardner, who defended her undisputed super featherweight title. “We’ve shown two different sides, but also knowing that we have a job to do.”

“I think the future of women’s boxing is only growing,” said Ramla Ali, who won on the preliminary card. “Look how many people showed out to support women’s boxing. It’s exciting to see the growth.”

“What’s going to make women’s boxing grow is to get more people into it,” said Tamm Thibeault, a two-time Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion. “Start at the grassroots, and create dreams for little girls to want to be just like us.”

“I’ve said that for a long time. The only way women’s boxing grows is if other women come out and support us.”

Taylor offered little detail on her retirement plans, saying she was going to enjoy her victory and reflect.

“I can’t believe that this is my life,” Taylor said. “I’m headlining the show at Madison Square Garden. What an amazing life. These are nights I dreamed of as a kid, and sitting here again as a winner. I’m so happy, so grateful.”

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