Amanda Serrano will face a new opponent on January 3 after her scheduled rematch with Erika Cruz was cancelled due to an atypical finding in Cruz’s Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test. Most Valuable Promotions confirmed that Serrano will instead defend her WBA and WBO featherweight titles against undefeated Reina Tellez at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live on DAZN.
The bout will be contested over 10 three-minute rounds, continuing Serrano’s push for equal conditions in women’s boxing. Serrano (47-4-1, 31 KOs), has previously fought under those rules and has long advocated for them, including during her trilogy with Katie Taylor. Now 37, Serrano turns the page after three decision losses to Taylor in 2022, 2024, and July of this year.
“I’m disappointed the original fight couldn’t move forward, but my priority has always been respect for the sport,” Serrano said. She added that defending her titles at home while continuing to push women’s boxing forward “means everything,” and acknowledged Tellez as a deserving and challenging replacement.
Tellez, the 22-year-old American and longtime Team USA fighter, steps in on short notice to face a future Hall of Famer. Tellez turned professional in 2021, drew in her debut, and has since won 13 straight bouts, most recently a unanimous decision over Mayela Perez in September. She has never competed in a scheduled 10-round fight.
“This is the moment I’ve been fighting for my whole life,” Tellez said. While calling it an honor to face Serrano, she made clear her intent to win, promising to bring everything she has to fight night as she looks to make history in Puerto Rico.
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