Serrano Seeks Redemption in Cruz Rematch on Puerto Rican Soil

Amanda Serrano, the celebrated former seven-division world champion, is slated to return to the familiar territory of the featherweight division, squaring off against Erika Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch set to ignite the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan on January 3. The bout, officially announced by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) on Tuesday, marks Serrano’s return to her roots, where she has enjoyed some of her most significant successes.

The upcoming contest is a direct sequel to the electrifying clash between Serrano and Cruz that unfolded in February 2023 at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City. On that night, Serrano emerged victorious by unanimous decision after a grueling ten-round battle. The statistical breakdown of the first encounter highlighted the relentless pace, with the two fighters collectively unleashing an astonishing 1,917 punches. The judges’ scorecards read 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93, all in favor of Serrano, underscoring her dominance despite Cruz’s valiant effort.

A notable change for the rematch is the duration of each round. In a move that aims to further elevate the intensity and action, the rounds will be extended to three minutes each, aligning with the standard for men’s boxing. This adjustment, agreed upon by both fighters, has the potential to dramatically alter the dynamics of the fight, allowing for increased strategic depth and sustained offensive bursts.

"Every time I step into the ring, I fight for all women, for equality, and for Puerto Rico," Serrano stated in a press release issued by MVP. "Getting to fight three-minute rounds in a unified world title defense in front of my people will be one of the proudest moments of my career. When I got injured last March, I promised I’d come back to fight in Puerto Rico, and now the moment is finally here."

Serrano expressed her gratitude to Cruz for accepting the challenge of fighting under the three-minute round format, emphasizing the significance of their collaboration in promoting equality in women’s boxing. "I want to thank Erika Cruz for her choice to face me over [10, three-minute rounds] and for joining me in making this statement for equality in women’s boxing. Together, we are showing all the young girls out there that they can do anything they put their mind to, and that women’s boxers deserve the same opportunities as men. Anyone who saw our first fight knows that this will be an all-out war, and we are ready to make history again."

The January 3 bout will be Serrano’s first appearance in the ring since her majority decision loss to Katie Taylor in their highly anticipated trilogy fight in July. The third encounter, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, failed to replicate the drama and intensity of their previous two meetings. While Serrano believed she had a strong case for victory in the first two fights, she adopted a more cautious and less aggressive strategy in the third bout. Taylor capitalized on this shift, securing a majority decision victory with scores of 96-94, 96-93, and 94-96, effectively ending the rivalry with a 2-1 advantage.

Serrano’s aspiration to fight in Puerto Rico suffered a setback in December 2023 when a scheduled headline bout was cancelled at the last minute. Serrano was slated to face Nina Meinke on a card that also featured Jake Paul. However, moments before the fight, it was announced that Serrano had to withdraw due to an eye injury caused by a reaction to chemicals from a hair treatment. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of combat sports and the meticulous preparations required to compete at the highest level.

Cruz, since her first encounter with Serrano, has maintained an active fight schedule, participating in four bouts. She has secured three victories and one split draw. Notably, Cruz captured the WBA junior featherweight title with a majority decision victory over Mayerlin Rivas. This win solidified her status as a top contender in the division and demonstrated her resilience and determination to improve as a fighter.

Amanda Serrano’s career is defined by her versatility and willingness to challenge herself across multiple weight divisions. She has held world titles in seven different weight classes, from super flyweight to light welterweight, showcasing her adaptability and exceptional skill set. Her professional record stands at 46 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 30 victories coming by way of knockout.

Erika Cruz, with a professional record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, has proven to be a formidable opponent. Her aggressive style and unwavering determination make her a dangerous adversary for any fighter in the featherweight division.

The rematch between Serrano and Cruz promises to be a captivating event, not only for the action inside the ring but also for its significance in the ongoing fight for gender equality in boxing. By agreeing to fight under the three-minute round format, Serrano and Cruz are challenging the traditional norms of women’s boxing and advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for female athletes. The fight is more than just a sporting event; it is a statement of empowerment and a symbol of progress for women in sports.