Amanda Serrano returns with a unified defense of her featherweight title after a triple loss to Katie Taylor | Boxing news

Amanda Serrano will return from losing her trilogy fight with Katie Taylor by defending her featherweight world titles in January.

Serrano’s return to Puerto Rico will be when she puts her WBO and WBA featherweight world titles on the line against Erika Cruz at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan on January 3.

They are competing again after their thrilling undisputed title fight in 2023, but this time they will compete over 10 three-minute rounds, as is the case in men’s boxing, rather than the two-minute rounds that have been the norm in women’s boxing.

This will be Serrano’s first fight since losing to super lightweight Katie Taylor in July in their trilogy bout.

“Every time I step into the ring, I fight for all women, for equality and for Puerto Rico,” Amanda Serrano said.

“Fighting in three-minute rounds to defend a unified world title in front of my people will be one of the proudest moments of my career. When I was injured last March, I promised I would return to fight in Puerto Rico, and now the moment has finally come.

“I would like to thank Erica Cruz for choosing to fight me in the 10 x 3:00 and for joining me in making this statement for equality in women’s boxing.

“Together, we’re showing all the little girls that they can do anything they set their minds to, and that women’s boxers deserve the same opportunities as men. Anyone who saw our first fight knows this will be an all-out war, and we’re ready to make history again.”

Mexican Cruz said: “I am very happy and excited for this amazing opportunity to face the great Puerto Rican champion Amanda Serrano again.

“This is the most exciting rivalry in world boxing. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico means a guaranteed war. If our first fight is a massive fight, you can’t miss what will happen on Saturday, January 3. Long live Mexico!”

“Amanda Serrano is a once-in-a-generation pioneer who continues to redefine what is possible in boxing,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bedarian, co-founders of MVP.

“From becoming Puerto Rico’s first undisputed champion, male or female, in her first encounter with Erika Cruz, to becoming a global icon and breaking women’s boxing viewership records in Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, to topping her historic trilogy against Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden and leading a record all-female card, Amanda has continued to move the sport forward.

“We are honored to support her return to her natural 126-pound weight class as she fights in front of her home fans in Puerto Rico.

“Amanda is one of the most influential athletes in the world today and a true symbol of equality in sports, and MVP is proud to stand with her as she makes the second unified defense of her world title in three-minute rounds, alongside Erika Cruz.

“This event will celebrate the pride and legacy of Puerto Rican boxing and women’s boxing.”