Amanda Serrano (46-2-1, 30KOs) has vacated her World Boxing Council (WBC) super-featherweight world title, because she wants to be allowed to box 12 three-minute rounds. Serrano’s decision to vacate the WBC crown also signifies the end of her reign as undisputed featherweight champion.
It follows her successful unified title defence over the full 12-three-minute round distance in October against Danila Ramos (12-3, 1KO) in Florida. The issue leading into the fight was that the WBC had refused to sanction the contest for the longer duration.
Serrano had previously hoped the WBC would change their stance and allow her and the growing number of female fighters to compete under the full championship distance, like their male counterparts. However, the change of stance was not forthcoming and Serrano took matters into her own hands and vacated.
“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,” Serrano stated on Instagram. “The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality. So, I am relinquishing their title.”
The WBC in 2014 banned women contesting 12, three-minute rounds at their annual convention and cited ‘health and safety’ issues for female athletes regarding the menstrual cycle.
Following her victory over Ramos, Serrano stated that her future fights would 12, three-minute rounds.
“I love boxing. I have given my life to this sport,” continued Serrano. “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.”
The Puerto Rican would thank the remaining organisations for changing their previous stances and allowing the movement for change within boxing.
“Thank You to the sanctioning bodies who have evolved for equality,” stated Serrano. “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 future of the WBC title vacated by Serrano remains unclear but would likely see the undefeated Skye Nicholson (9-0, 1KOs), who holds the WBC interim title, contest the vacant title or be elevated into full champion status.
