MMA star Kayla Harrison has lauded Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for their historic boxing title fight at Madison Square Garden last weekend. 

Taylor defeated Serrano via a split decision in a contest many have labelled as the best women’s fight of all time. 

Harrison, who is a two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo and a two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) champion, stressed that she was amazed by what the fighters managed to achieve for both women’s boxing and women’s sport in general. 

Harrison praises Serrano and Taylor

Speaking to reporters at the 2022 PFL 3 media day, Harrison said: “For me as a female athlete and as a woman in general, and I think just an athlete, it was super inspiring to watch.

“My hat goes off to both of them. They couldn’t have done a better job in the ring, out of the ring – class all the way.

“They raised women athletes to a whole new level that night. And I think that’s the goal besides trying to beat people up for money. The goal is to raise the bar and make it a little easier for the next generation so they don’t have to fight as hard to just get noticed. The goal is to take over.”

Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor trade punches
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Katie Taylor of Ireland (black trunks) trades punches with Amanda Serrano of Puerto Rico (white trunks) for the World Lightweight Title fight at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2022 in New York, New York. This bout marks the first women’s boxing fight to headline Madison Square Garden in the venue’s history. Taylor defeated Serrano on a judges decision. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

When will Harrison next fight

Harrison is a former training partner of Ronda Rousey and has been competing in the PFL since 2019. 

So far, the 31-year-old is undefeated in 12 professional fights and won the Women’s Lightweight Tournament against Taylor Guardado in October 2021. 

There were question marks over her future and whether she’d move to other promotions but the American has re-signed with the PFL after a long free agency period.

Harrison returns to the cage this Friday in the main event of the 2022 PFL 3, where she will take on Marina Mokhnatkina in a lightweight bout. 

Kayla Harrison fighting in the PFL

What’s next for Taylor and Serrano?

Meanwhile, a rematch between Taylor appears to be on the cards, with a second fight reportedly set to be held at Croke Park in October. 

The stadium has a capacity of 80,00 but may be able to seat closer to 90,000 for the fight. 

It would be the first time in history that two female fighters headlined an event at the mega stadium, but Taylor’s management team are optimistic that now is the right time to stage the fight. 

A packed-out Croke Park stadium

Both fighters appear keen on going head-to-head once again, with Serrano’s promoter, Jake Paul, branding the first fight a “robbery.” 

Madison Square Garden have also offered to stage the rematch but Taylor’s preference would be Croke Park. 

“If you think the atmosphere was special here, imagine the rematch in front of 80,000 people in Croke Parl. It would be absolutely nothing,” Taylor said.