Katie Taylor edged Amanda Serrano on points with a split-decision victory in an instant classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Irishwoman retained her undisputed lightweight title in a fight brimming with action, heart and excellence.

Two of the three judges saw it for Taylor in a fight that lived up to every prediction and every hope.

Taylor got the verdict on two cards, by 97-93 and 96-93 margins, with one judge scoring it 96-94 to Serrano.

'Look what we've just done'

It was the first time two females had headlined the famous venue and after the first fight smashed every expectation, an even bigger rematch is surely in the works, with Dublin's Croke Park mentioned as a potential venue.

"Absolutely. We have to do this again," Taylor said after the result.

"It was an absolute war for 10 rounds. I'm grateful to be in this position and sell out Madison Square Garden. Look what we've just done.

"I said before that when you think Madison Square Garden you think Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier, but now everyone will be thinking of Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano. I knew I was going to have to dig deep and go to the trenches.

"I have the heart as well as the skill. I knew I was going to be able to pull through.

"She's a phenomenal fighter. A great, great person. It was a privilege to fight her again."

The fight quickly took shape in the first four rounds, Serrano the aggressor as the southpaw and Taylor looking to counter at speed.