Amanda Serrano has already made history as the first Puerto Rican woman to become undisputed Champion of the World. And on October 27th she’ll make even more history as she steps into the ring against challenger and Brazilian Danila Ramos for a women’s title fight set for 12 three-minute rounds instead of the standard 10 two-minute rounds women usually get.
“I’m super-excited to go out there and showcase women’s boxing at its finest and that women can do anything that we put our minds to. That’ll show that we deserve it.” Serano recently told Sky Sports about this move to have the same standards for boxing for women and men, something that is very much a continued conversation in 2023.
To get to know Amanda Serrano a little better before you watch the title fight, here are five quick facts about the Puerto Rican fighter!
1
Guinness World Record Holder
Serrano is the only woman to win world titles in more than four weight classes. Not only that, she holds the Guinness World Record for the most boxing world championships won in different weight classes by a woman, with a total of 9 major world titles held across seven different weight classes. If that sounds out of this world, it’s because it is. Consider Serrano the standard for boxing in Puerto Rico. And she knows it, too.
2
Sisters & World Champions
Amanda Serrano isn’t the only World Champion in the family. Her older sister, Cindy Serrano, is also a professional boxer – and also a World Champion. Talk about proud parents. The pair became the first sisters to hold world titles from major sanctioning bodies at the same time after Cindy won the WBO featherweight title in 2016.
3
Deadly in Different Ways
Serrano isn’t just a proficient boxer. She’s also tried her hand at other combat sports. And chances are she could beat just about anyone in those too. Her numbers speak for themselves, she’s undefeated in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to add to her 48-2-1 boxing record. And though her focus is on boxing these days, there’s no telling what she could do if she ever decides MMA is her future.
4
Proudly Puerto Rican
Serrano has been very outspoken about her Puerto Rican roots and her desire to give back to her island and to “give her island something that they can be proud of.” In fact, she’s carried the same Puerto Rican flag around – even if it ends up a little bloody sometimes because the flag of her country “means everything to me and pushes me to be great.”
5
Fighting for Choice
One of the things Serrano is fighting for with her latest match on October 27th – which is set for 12 rounds of 3 minutes each, is choice. The choice of women’s fights to go those 12 rounds of 3 minutes each. And she’s got the support of a great deal of women fighters, who have released a statement asking for equal rules for women and men’s boxing. On this, Serrano intends to be a pioneer.