Amanda Serrano expressed her desire to be remembered as a “game-changer” as she gears up for her final fight on home turf next year. The seven-division world champion from Puerto Rico will put her unified WBO and WBA featherweight titles on the line against Australia’s Skye Falzon in San Juan on January 9.
Serrano, boasting a 50-4-1 record with 32 knockouts, has announced that she will retire following this bout, which promoters have named “The Last Walk.” Speaking at a press conference, Serrano said, “I want people to remember me as a game-changer. I’ve always given my all in the ring—every fight and every training session—and I hope that’s clear to everyone.”
She is currently aiming to break the women’s knockout record, a mark she shares with American Christy Martin. Although she called this a “cherry on top,” Serrano emphasized her intention to fully savor her final match. “I made sure to return to the 12 three-minute rounds because I want to enjoy every moment of this last fight,” the 38-year-old said. “I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. If the knockout comes, it comes.”
Falzon, also 38, holds a 12-2 record with seven knockouts and described the opportunity to face Serrano as a dream come true. “I actually cried when I got the news,” she revealed. “I’m going to seize this chance—I can’t wait. I’m not here just to be part of Amanda’s history; I want to make my own. I wouldn’t be a fighter if I didn’t believe I could win.”
Serrano welcomed Falzon’s confidence, stating, “I don’t like when my opponents come in expecting to lose. I love fighting the best out there.” She is the first Puerto Rican boxer, male or female, to become an undisputed world champion. In 2022, she and Ireland’s Katie Taylor made history as the first female boxers to headline Madison Square Garden in New York. Serrano also defeated Brazil’s Danila Ramos in 2023 in the first women’s unified world championship fought over 12 three-minute rounds, matching the format of men’s title fights.
Her retirement decision, Serrano said, comes down to timing and her long-held plan to retire in Puerto Rico. “You’ve supported me from the start, loving me—and I’ve been fighting for you,” she added, referring to her fans on the island where she was born in Carolina. “I carry my flag in my heart and fight for you. I just want you all to celebrate this long journey with me. It’s going to be a special night.”
Fan Take: Amanda Serrano’s farewell fight isn’t just the end of an era for a Puerto Rican legend—it’s a landmark moment for women’s boxing globally. Her career has pushed boundaries and set new standards, inspiring future fighters and elevating the sport to new heights.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
