WBA Orders Erika Cruz to Face Amanda Serrano for Undisputed
Becoming undisputed is something every fighter hopes to achieve. The WBA has provided an option for unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1, 30KO) to become undisputed. This goes along side her option to rematch undisputed lightweight champion Katie “KT” Taylor (22-0, 6KO).
The WBA has issued a statement ordering WBA champion Erika “Dinamita” Cruz (15-1, 3KO) and Serrano to fight for undisputed.
“The pioneer body determined that there is no need for special permissions and that the best will be facing each other in the ring. It set Serrano as the mandatory challenger to the title held by Cruz. Now they will have a period of 30 days to negotiate the fight and if they do not reach an agreement or any of the parties refuses to do so, the committee could send the fight to auction with a 50% split for each of the champions.”
World Boxing Association
SERRANO PASSES ON THE REMATCH
Fans were hoping to get a rematch between Serrano and Taylor after witnessing their historical event at Madison Square Garden on April 30. Taylor secured a close split decision victory in a thrilling battle.
Serrano decided to forgo the rematch to pursue undisputed in the featherweight division. In her last outing, she easily relieved Sarah Mahfoud of the IBF title to become a three-belt champion.
Cruz has been shouting about a fight with The Real Deal since defeating Melissa Esquivel in 2021. In her last outing, she won a rematch against the person she took the title from, Jelena Mrdjenovich, on September 3.
WILL SERRANO FIGHT CRUZ OR TAYLOR?
Taylor and Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn have been on a serious campaign to get the rematch with Serrano in Ireland. The undisputed champion doubled down on wanting to fight Serrano in her home country during a post-fight interview of her victory over Karen Carabajal on October 29.
Serrano is in a good position as either decision leads to undisputed. It will be interesting to see which path she chooses. Will she decide on a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico rivalry against Cruz or a high-profile rematch against Taylor?
By: Garrisson Bland
