Amanda “The Actual Deal” Serrano — probably the most embellished feminine boxer in historical past — is lastly coming residence. On Saturday, January 3, she’ll defend her WBA and WBO featherweight world titles in opposition to Erika “Dinamita” Cruz on the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, stay worldwide on DAZN.
It’s greater than a title protection — it’s a stand. Serrano’s going ten threes, identical guidelines as the boys, driving her struggle for equality the place it issues most: contained in the ring.
Puerto Rico vs. Mexico — Pleasure and Legacy Collide
Their first assembly again in 2023 was pure chaos — ten rounds of blood, coronary heart, and satisfaction that topped Serrano as Puerto Rico’s first-ever undisputed boxing champion, male or feminine. She outworked Cruz in a battle that made practically each “Struggle of the Yr” checklist from ESPN to Ringmagazine. Now Cruz comes looking revenge, whereas Serrano returns to defend all the pieces she’s constructed, this time in entrance of her personal folks.
“I struggle for all girls, for equality, and for Puerto Rico,” Serrano mentioned. “Attending to struggle three-minute rounds in entrance of my folks can be one of many proudest moments of my profession. Erika Cruz and I’ll make historical past once more — this can be one other battle.”
Serrano’s Legacy Retains Rising
Since that first struggle, Serrano’s gone international. She’s headlined two Netflix occasions, gained hundreds of thousands of recent followers, and have become the most-followed feminine boxer on the planet. She’s the primary Puerto Rican to ever maintain undisputed standing and the one lady to assert world titles in seven weight divisions — a feat acknowledged by Guinness World Data.
Now she’s shaping the way forward for girls’s boxing as a part of Most Useful Promotions (MVP), the place she’s each fighter and trailblazer. “Amanda Serrano is a once-in-a-generation determine redefining what’s potential,” mentioned MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.
Throughout the ring stands Erika Cruz, a fearless southpaw from Mexico Metropolis who as soon as dethroned Jelena Mrdjenovich and added one other world title at tremendous bantamweight. “Mexico versus Puerto Rico means assured battle,” Cruz mentioned. “If our first struggle was a battle, this one can be even greater. Viva Mexico.”
Serrano’s profession is larger than belts now — it’s about legacy. Each time she fights, she drags the game ahead. This isn’t simply Puerto Rico vs. Mexico; it’s historical past vs. starvation, equality vs. custom. Count on emotion, grit, and violence underneath San Juan’s lights — and one other night time that pushes boxing ahead.
