Amanda Serrano Dominates Heather Hardy
Amanda Serrano (31-1-1, 27 KO’s) calls herself “The Real Deal” and she once again lives up to that nickname. She had her way with Heather Hardy (22-1, 4 KO’s) on September 13 en route to becoming the new WBO Featherweight champion by way of unanimous decision at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City. The scorecards read 98-91 twice and 98-92.
THE BREAKDOWN
Serrano came out blazing as she went on the attack from the very start of round one. Hardy was overwhelmed as her southpaw opponent pounced with a vicious attack to the head and body. The only reason Hardy survived was due to her toughness as she was lucky to survive the opening round.
Younger, faster and more powerful, the 31-year old Serrano continued with the bombardment of punches on the 37-year old Hardy during the second and third round.
Heather Hardy is all heart and during rounds 4 through 6, she fought with a renewed sense of urgency and became the aggressor. Serrano however, is one of the most skilled women’s boxers in the sport. She kept her cool, landing jabs and combinations from the outside. Starting in round seven, she re-established the center of the ring and pace of the fight. Setting the tone with powerful jabs, Serrano marched forward landing all over the face and body of Hardy from a variety of angles.
Hardy never gave in, but Serrano was clearly the superior fighter in an overall dominant performance. Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor is the fight that observers of women’s boxing wants to see. After the fight, Serrano said she wants a fight with Katie Taylor next. As arguably the best match-up in all of women’s boxing, let’s hope it can happen sooner than later.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
