Amanda Serrano Takes A Stand Against the WBC
It’s an understatement to say that now-former undisputed women’s featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) is at odds with the WBC. Reaction continues over the news of her decision to relinquish the WBC women’s featherweight belt. As a result, is the WBC in danger of creating trouble for themselves that could have a lasting impact on the sport?
Serrano is coming off a twelve-round decision victory over Danila Ramos on October 27. There was plenty of controversy heading into that contest. Serrano versus Ramos was a twelve-round, three-minute contest.
The WBC refused to sanction the fight due to what they deemed as safety concerns. Current WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said the WBC would never allow women to fight three-minute rounds. Still upset over the sanctioning body’s decision, Serrano announced that she was giving up the WBC 126-pound title in a post on social media.
TAKING A STAND
Serrano’s stance is based on principle. She believes that women should have the same rights as men, including the right to fight the same number of rounds as men when it comes to world title fights. Many in the boxing community agree with her.
Here’s the reality. Serrano is an elite fighter who makes sizeable paydays. As a result, she can dictate terms and afford to make this kind of move. The future Hall of Famer doesn’t need the WBC for her career to prosper.
However, her decision could have a domino effect. When it comes to the WBC, like all world sanctioning bodies, sanctioning fees are their lifeblood. Sulaiman has a reputation for being a very stubborn individual. But he’s also a person who knows what side his bread is butter on. Should other prominent, high-profile fighters decide to follow suit with Serrano, that would mean a significant financial loss to the WBC.
Are Serrano’s actions a sign of real change? That will be determined as time passes. When it comes to the WBC, the spotlight is on them, for better or worse.
