Amanda Serrano has vacated her WBC World Featherweight Title.
The 35-year-old from Puerto Rico is considered a trailblazer in the sport, and started her statement by expressing her dedication.
“I love boxing. I have given my life to this sport. No phone, no boyfriend, no parties. Just boxing.
I am the only boxer, male or female, from Puerto Rico to become undisputed champion. I am the only female boxer to have won titles in 7 divisions. I am the first female boxer, along with Katie to headline Madison Sqaure Garden. I am the first female boxer to make 7 figures from a fight and the same from sponsors.
And I am the first undisputed female champion to fight 12×3 minute rounds.”
Serrano did indeed make history with her title defence against Danila Ramos in October, but her WBC belt was notably off the table.
The sanctioning body will not allow three minute rounds in female fighting due to ‘safety and wellbeing’ concerns. It’s a decision Serrano says is standing in the way of the evolution of the sport.
“Moving forward if a sanctioning body doesn’t want to give me and my fellow fighters the choice to fight the same as the men, then I will not be fighting for that sanctioning body.
The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality. So I am relinquishing their title.
Thank You to the sanctioning bodies who have evolved for Equality!
If you want to face me in the ring, you have a choice. I’ve made mine.
Thank you to all of my fellow fighters who have stood with me. Thank you to my team. Thank you to my fans. And above all, thank you God. I’m blessed.”
The WBC is yet to respond publicly, but will order the vacant belt to be contested by the two top contenders in the near future, currently Skye Nicolson and Erika Cruz Hernandez.