Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor’s dance partner for that unforgettable fight at Madison Square Garden in April 2022, has had to vacate her WBC title this week after the organisation refused to allow her to fight 12 three minute round fights.
The Puerto Rican made history recently when she put on the first contest of that nature versus Danila Ramos back in October, coming out victorious and retaining her WBO, WBA, and IBF World featherweight titles by unanimous decision on the night.
Good for Amanda Serrano. It’s one thing to stand on your beliefs but this is a taking meaningful action
The WBC is on the wrong side of history, imo pic.twitter.com/6J4Yo2qzZR— Dan Canobbio (@DanCanobbio) December 5, 2023
Women’s boxing usually takes places via 10 two minute rounds, but Serrano has been very vocal with her wish to see that extended to the 12 -3 structure.
"The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality, so I am relinquishing their title," she said on Instagram, going on to point out that she is “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.
“If you want to face me in the ring, you have a choice. I have made mine.”
She also went on to thank her fellow fighters who have backed her in the decision, as well as her wider team, fans, and God.
The next couple of days are about doing things that most only dream of.
My island is different, they go hard for their athletes. A ton of doors opening up daily 🙏
Why would I ever complain or be sad? I’m grateful for all his blessings.
Huge Announcements Soon 😘😘😘 pic.twitter.com/pTLnL8faGo— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) December 5, 2023
Will Amanda Serrano ’s decision spark a change?
The WBC cited their decision not to prolong the rounds to Amanda Serrano ’s desired format to “health and safety” concerns, although increasingly more fighters are calling for the sport to move in this direction.
In October, over 20 current and retired female boxers signed a statement to that effect, explaining that despite making progress “there is still far to go.”
Serrano was amongst those who signed the call out, alongside names like Britain's two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas and Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali.
The women stood together with her peers in the hope that it would spark change in the women’s scene and catapult them into the same fight conditions as their male counterparts.
"𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄"
12 rounds for the Unified World Featherweight Championship 👑#SerranoRamos is LIVE on DAZN, October 27@Serranosisters | @MostVpromotions pic.twitter.com/n3mg2IZjDC— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 10, 2023
“We stand together with the desire and dedication to have the choice to perform on the same stage, with the same rules, as men in professional boxing,” the statement read.
“"We have earned the choice of three-minute rounds, with 12 rounds for championship fights to demonstrate our skill and greatness.
"We have earned the choice to build a more equal future for fighters everywhere.
"We hope boxing stakeholders support us just as we have supported them throughout our careers. This is our time, our right and our choice. We are boxing."
It remains to be seen what should arise out of that stance, as is the case with Serrano's latest one too.
For those that r or getting Misinformed my decision to fight 12x3 goes back to my @KatieTaylor fight. She said no Ok, Now I’m in a position of power to follow through. I did it & I love it!
Fighting 10x2 was a must for me to become undisputed per WBC rules.
GET IT RIGHT! 😉😘 pic.twitter.com/4QhDA6jS91— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) December 6, 2023
