Title disagreement leads to Serrano ditching WBC title
Amanda Serrano, the reigning WBA, IBF, and WBO featherweight champion, made headlines in October after successfully defending her titles against Brazilian Daniela Ramos in a historic 12-round women's boxing match. The clash marked the longest women's boxing bout since 2007, surpassing the traditional 10, two-minute round limit for female contests. Regrettably, the World Boxing Council (WBC) did not approve Serrano's match against Ramos, leading to a tense standoff between the boxer and the sanctioning body.
Venting her frustration on Instagram, Serrano, 35, wrote, "If the sanctioning body in the future doesn't want me and my fellows to decide how men fight, then I won't fight for this sanctioning body." The fighter attributed her decision to the WBC's reluctance to develop the sport in the realm of equal opportunities. In sadness, she renounced their title, extolling the bodies that have advanced the sport in an equal-opportunity context.
As of publishing, CNN had not received a comment from the WBC concerning Serrano's decision.
WBC chair Suleiman explained their stance on safety in a Wednesday interview with Sky Sports News, stating, "It's not discrimination, it's not sexism. It's not about equality. It's just about safety."
In the past, Serrano made history by headlining a boxing match at Madison Square Garden. In a 2023 showdown against Irish boxer Katie Taylor, Serrano lost by split decision, marking her second career defeat. Regardless, she maintains an impressive record with 46 wins (30 by KO) and one draw.
Before Serrano's match against Ramos, a group of female boxers voiced their concerns, asserting their right to fight under the same terms as their male counterparts in a brief open letter. "We have proven our skill and size with a 3-minute advantage. We deserve this decision to build a fairer future for all fighters worldwide," they argued.
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According to recent sources, Serrano formally relinquished her WBC title in late 2023, largely in response to the sanctioning body’s resistance to lengthening her fights to 12, three-minute rounds. This dispute highlighted the ongoing battle for equal treatment and recognition within the world of women's boxing. Skye Nicolson eventually succeeded Serrano as the new WBC featherweight champion.
