Puerto Rican boxer Amanda Serrano united her 126-pound title from the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to that of the World Council (WBC) without stepping in the ring.
Serrano won the WBC crown after that belt’s owner, Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich, decided not to face the Puerto Rican who was the mandatory challenger, particularly in the WBC.
This Mexico-based body decided to elevate the Puerto Rican from Interim World Champion to World Champion.
Mrdjenovich is also a champion of the World Boxing Association, a body that has not confirmed whether it would place Serrano as a champion in real estate. From the WBA to take that step, the Puerto Rican would also be the monarch of the three organizations.
“She will have her reasons for not fighting and I respect her for everything she has accomplished. I won’t rest until I have all the 126-pound titles. Unfortunately with this weight they will have to support me for a while and I am sure we will have great battles for history, ”said Serrano.
The WBC had ordered the allied fight between Serrano and Mrdiennovich a few weeks ago. Both sides were told they had until next Friday to negotiate the fight and if they did not reach an agreement on or before the set date, they would begin the auction process.
“Once the negotiation process started we were quickly told that they did not want the fight with Amanda and I must admit we were not surprised because Jelena always says in her interviews that she is willing to fight anyone, she even mentions names. but never names Amanda, who is one of the division’s world champions, ”said Jordan Maldonado, Serrano’s coach and manager.
Serrano (39-1-1, 29 KO’s) joins the prestigious roster of united Puerto Rican champions such as Carlos Ortiz, Félix “Tito” Trinidad and Danny García.
“Amanda only wants to be the undisputed 126-pound world champion to bring glory to Puerto Rico and she will achieve it, although history repeats itself by dodging her,” said Maldonado, adding that “Amanda has been dodged as the mandatory challenger. from champions Raja Amasheh (former 115-pound champion), Sabrina Pérez, in two divisions (118 and 122), Ana Esteche, who would compete with Amanda for her 140-pound titles, but lost a non-title fight and the titles were taken from her and now the great Jelena, whom we so admire, went through the back door, but Amanda’s dream remains intact and steadfast.
He will defend his titles in Puerto Rico
In fact, Serrano will defend his WBO and WBC World Championships on March 25 at the Plaza del Quinto Centenario in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of an event that will be broadcast live on NBC Sports, under the ‘Ring City USA’ program. ‘.
The event is being promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with H2 Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
Her opponent becomes world champion in three divisions, Argentinian Daniela “La Bonita” Bermúdez (29-3-3, 10 KOs).
“I am super happy with a date and an opponent to defend my beautiful titles. Daniela will be looking for world champion in four divisions. I believe our fight will be a lot to talk about as I understand there will be a lot of action going on. and of course I’m ready for another war between Puerto Rico and Argentina, ”said Serrano.
“In 2014 I was crowned 135lb World Champion in Argentina when I beat the champion María Maderna, who had three successful defenses and that might be another motivation for Daniela, but I have my motivations because I come on behalf of Puerto Rico. God, I come to triumph for our youth and for the women who box, ”said the Puerto Rican fighter, who has won world titles in seven weight categories.