Puerto Rican boxer Amanda Serrano recently made a bold decision. She has chosen to vacate her WBC title because the governing body still refuses to allow women to fight across 12 three-minute rounds. This move comes after Serrano’s successful defense of her WBA, IBF, and WBO featherweight titles against Brazil’s Danila Ramos in a thrilling fight that went the full distance.
For years, women’s championship fights have been limited to 10 rounds of two minutes, while men can fight for 12 rounds. The WBC did not sanction Serrano’s fight against Ramos, further highlighting the unfair treatment of women in the sport.
In an Instagram post, Serrano expressed her frustration, stating, “Moving forward, if a sanctioning body doesn’t want to give me and my fellow fighters the choice to fight the same as men, then I will not be fighting for that sanctioning body.” She also commended the sanctioning bodies that have embraced equality and evolved with the times.
Serrano’s decision has sparked a much-needed conversation about gender equality in boxing. Women have long fought for their right to compete in the same format as their male counterparts. They argue that they have earned the choice to fight 12 three-minute rounds, just like the men, as it allows them to showcase their skills and greatness.
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaimán, has defended the governing body’s position by citing safety concerns. However, many boxing fans and experts believe that this is not about safety but rather discrimination against women in the sport.
Serrano, a highly accomplished boxer with 46 wins and multiple titles under her belt, including headlining a fight at Madison Square Garden, has been a vocal advocate for equal treatment and opportunities for female boxers.
Other prominent figures in the boxing world, such as American fighter Claressa Shields and promoter Bob Arum, have also voiced their support for women’s boxing and the need for longer fights. They argue that the current limitations on round and fight length not only hinder the growth of women’s boxing but also contribute to the pay gap between male and female boxers.
As Serrano herself said, “If you want to face me in the ring, you have a choice. I’ve made mine.” It’s time for the boxing community to come together and push for equality, so that women fighters can continue to make history and inspire future generations.
