‘The WBC has refused to evolve’: Serrano vacates world title in dispute with sanctioning body
Amanda Serrano takes a moral stand after the WBC refuses request to allow women to fight 12, three minute rounds.
Women’s undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano has taken to her social media to announce that she’ll be formally giving up her WBC title. Serrano states that she’ll no longer fight for any sanctioning body that will not allow women to compete under the same rules as men, specifically referencing her preference to fight for 12 rounds, each three minutes long.
Serrano has recently fought a match against Danila Ramos which did take place under that framework, but with it looking more like an exception than the rule in some cases, Serrano is dissatisfied.
“I love boxing,” Serrano posted on her Instagram. “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 12x3 minute rounds.
“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.”
Serrano (46-2-1) has been a fantastic ambassador for women’s boxing over the past several years, winning world titles in multiple weight classes and taking part in some notable events. We look forward to seeing her return in the near future.