Amanda Serrano has vacated one of her world titles after one of boxing’s leading governing bodies refused to sanction 12 three-minute rounds for female fighters.
Serrano, 35, secured a unanimous decision win over Danila Ramos in October in a historic bout for women’s boxing.
Women’s bouts are usually contested over 10 two-minute rounds but on this occasion, Serrano and Ramos were in the ring for as long as their male counterparts in 12 three-minute rounds.
On that night, Serrano successfully defended her WBO, WBA and IBF featherweight titles. Her WBC title was not on the line as the sanctioning body would not grant her request to extend the length of rounds.
The WBC have previously cited ‘health’ concerns for their refusal to sanction longer fights.
Serrano, one of the most decorated champions in women’s boxing having won titles at seven different weight classes, has now decided to ditch her WBC belt in protest.
‘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 seven divisions,’ Serrano said.
‘I am the first female boxer, along with Katie [Taylor] to headline Madison Square Garden. I am the first female boxer to make seven figures from a fight and the same from sponsors.
‘And I am the first undisputed female champion to fight 12×3 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 sanction bodies who have evolved for equality.’
Serrano and Katie Taylor made history by becoming the first women to headline at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden in May 2022.
With Serrano vacating her WBC title, interim champion Skye Nicolson is expected to be upgraded to full world champion.
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