“I come with everything, except with fear”. This is what Amanda Serrano told Efe on the eve of Saturday’s fight against the Irish Katie Taylor. years in Madison Square Garden, but the Puerto Rican assures that there is still a long way to go for equality in women’s boxing.
Serrano (42-1-1, 30 KOs) and Taylor (20-0, 6 KOs), undisputed lightweight champion and number 1 in the world who will exhibit all her titles, they will receive a purse of one million each, which is the first time in women’s boxing.
But the road to get to this moment has not been easy for the Carolina born 33 years old and that she lives in New York, where she has spent most of her life.
Here she has had to sell herself tickets for her fights p she will now be able to pay for her career.
For Serrano, that sacrifice “was worth it.”
“Focus and consistency are key. I debuted in professional boxing in March of 2009 and I’m still focused, not looking back. I am excited to say that ‘I made it’”, she told Efe when responding to a written questionnaire.
From ese 140 Serrano, ranked number two in the world, has been seven times champion in different divisions between the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO ) and the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and now seeks the title of the 135 pounds of the WBC, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation that holds Taylor.
“There is still a long way to go for equality in women’s boxing. My fight against Katie Taylor is the beginning of great things for future generations, “said ‘The Real Deal’, as it is known.
” Step by step we will leave footprints and history. Women’s boxing continues to grow and I trust that many women will appear who will give something to talk about. I want women to be able to fight three-minute rounds just like men and that goes hand in hand with better pay and exposure,” she assured.
Serrano will face a tough contender, from 35 years, less stature and less professional experience, as the media has highlighted but, as the Latina has admitted, it is the biggest challenge of her career, in a fight for which she has had to gain weight.
He assured that reaching 135 pounds “has not been a problem” because they are two divisions above his natural weight, of 126 lbs.
As he has done throughout his career, he has trained hard under the tutelage of his brother-in-law, Jordan Maldonado. Her sister Cindy, also a boxer, already lost to Taylor in 2018.
“I have always trained very hard and smart, I don’t know must underestimate any opponent. I train focused. I spar with men for my fights”, he also indicated.
“I feel strong and ready to give Puerto Rico its first undisputed champion. This fight is the biggest of my career, I’ve had a lot of interviews and accolades and wow, it’s all a dream. I am motivated”, she stated.
She explained that she has been training in the ring in the mornings, and running during the afternoons. She sometimes adds light weights once a week “more or less”.
“It all depends on the work my team has established and how many weeks we are from the fight. Everything is calculated with the purpose of being in optimal conditions”, he indicated.
She assured that being the first Latina in a fight that is completely sold out and with all eyes on her does not put her under any pressure “because I have always worked hard and each opponent is treated as a world champion”.
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