Amanda Serrano defends her title against Erika Cruz on January 3 in San Juan – for the first time again over ten rounds of three minutes each.
On January 3, 2026, Amanda Serrano will defend her WBO and WBA featherweight world titles at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan (Puerto Rico). This was officially announced by Most Valuable Promotions. The fight, which will be broadcast live on DAZN, is already making history in the run-up. Serrano and Cruz will box over ten rounds of three minutes each – an exception in women’s boxing, which traditionally has two minutes per round.
Rematch after spectacular first fight
In February 2023, Serrano defeated Mexican Cruz on points in one of the most intense women’s fights of the year. Now it’s time for the rematch – and for the 37-year-old Puerto Rican, it’s also an emotional home match. “Every time I get into the ring, I fight for all women, for equality and for Puerto Rico,” explains Serrano. “Fighting for unified world titles in three-minute rounds in front of my own audience will be one of the proudest moments of my career.”
Serrano, a seven-time world champion in as many weight classes, had already campaigned for longer rounds in her fights against Katie Taylor in 2022 and 2023 – but so far without success. She last boxed in October 2023 against Danila Ramos in a historic 12-round fight over three minutes per round, which she clearly won.
Cruz announces fireworks
Challenger Erika Cruz (18-2-1, 4 knockouts) is also showing her fighting spirit. The 35-year-old from Mexico City has celebrated four consecutive victories since her defeat to Serrano and has once again announced fireworks for the rematch: “This is the most exciting rivalry in boxing. Mexico against Puerto Rico means war. Everyone knows that we will give it our all. Anyone who saw our first fight should definitely not miss this rematch.”
Text by Robin Josten