SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano is bringing a championship homecoming to Puerto Rico. The boxing icon will defend her WBO and WBA featherweight titles in a rematch against Mexico’s Erika Cruz on January 3 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, live on DAZN, Most Valuable Promotions announced Tuesday.
Trilogy complete, new challenge ahead
The bout marks Amanda Serrano’s first fight since completing her high-profile trilogy with Katie Taylor, and it’s a rematch of her bloody 2023 war with Cruz, which Serrano won by unanimous decision. This time, however the rematch will feature 10 three-minute rounds. A format Serrano has long championed as part of her push for full gender equality in boxing.
“Every time I step into the ring, I fight for all women, for equality and for Puerto Rico,” Serrano said in a statement. “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.”
History in the making
The 37-year-old Serrano (47-4-1, 31 KOs) is no stranger to longer rounds. She last fought three-minute rounds in October 2023, earning a unanimous decision over Danila Ramos in a historic 12-round bout. Before that, her attempt to secure the same format against Taylor was denied by governing bodies.
Her record-setting career includes championships across seven weight divisions, and she remains one of the sport’s most influential voices 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,” Serrano added. “Anyone who saw our first fight knows this will be an all-out war.”
Cruz promises “Mexico vs. Puerto Rico war”
Erika Cruz (18-2-1, 4 KOs), who has gone unbeaten in four fights since her loss to Serrano, vows to make the rematch even more dramatic.
“I’m very happy and excited for this great opportunity,” Cruz said. “This is the most exciting rivalry in world boxing. Mexico versus Puerto Rico means a guaranteed war. If our first fight was a colossal battle, you can’t miss what will happen on January 3.”
Legacy and stakes
Amanda Serrano’s decision to host the fight in San Juan underscores her commitment to Puerto Rico and her role as a global ambassador for women’s boxing. The event also continues her collaboration with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Co-founded by Jake Paul, which has spearheaded multiple trailblazing women’s main events.
With two elite champions sharing the ring again and the three-minute round structure returning the Serrano vs. Cruz rematch promises to be both a spectacle and a statement for the future of women’s boxing.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
