Serrano retains world titles in homecoming win

Amanda Serrano retained her WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine featherweight titles with a hard-earned but dominant win over Reina Tellez.

The 37-year-old, who has been fighting in her native country since 2021, sharpened her attacks on Tellez and demonstrated her ring intelligence at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan.

Serrano’s right eye swelled after the American challenger left the fight with an overhand left in the fifth round. The American took the fight on 15 days’ notice.

However, Serrano’s experience ultimately proved to be true, with the seven-division world champion maintaining control in the final stages and achieving scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 97-93.

“I’m so appreciative and grateful to Reina for coming in to fight on short notice,” Serrano said. “She’s a warrior”.

Under men’s boxing regulations, the fight was contested for 10 three-minute rounds, and victory gave Serrano a record-equaling 48 wins, three of them against undisputed light-welterweight champion Katie Taylor, and one draw.

“I’ve only fought at this weight for two years. I’m pleased I could give the fans a show in the upcoming fights because I think they’ll be much better, Serrano continued.

Combat sports legend Holly Holm struggled to become a four-division champion as a result of Stephanie Han’s defeat to her in the main support.

The champion retained her title by unanimous decision after the ringside doctor declared Han unable to continue because of a cut to her forehead brought on by an unintentional clash of heads.

Serrano, a heavy favorite, had hoped for a fierce performance, but Tellez, 22, delivered a strong challenge.

In response to an unusual finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test, Erika Cruz withdrew from the fight.

Serrano’s southpaw stance and sharp bodywork made for a powerful opening act before the contest turned into a scrappier affair than anticipated.

Although Serrano’s belts would have been vacated had she lost, Tellez, who had beaten Serrano, fought largely on the back foot but gained confidence through the middle rounds. She missed the featherweight limit and was therefore ineligible to win the titles.

Serrano continued to be the aggressor despite the damage to her eye, using her experience to control distance, cut off the ring, and protect her vision.

In the final rounds, she steadily regained control, increasing the pressure and launching sustained combinations in the ninth, as she unsuccessfully searched for a late stoppage.

The event, which was co-hosted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, honored Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami by having their names displayed on the ring canvas.