Amanda Serrano, the celebrated Puerto Rican boxer and seven-division world champion, has set her sights on leaving a lasting legacy as she prepares for her final bout on home soil. The 38-year-old will defend her unified WBO and WBA featherweight titles against Australia's Skye Falzon at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan on January 9, an event promoters have billed as 'The Last Walk'.
A Career Defined by Breaking Barriers
Serrano, who holds a record of 50 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw with 32 knockouts, has been a trailblazer in women's boxing. She is the first and only Puerto Rican boxer, male or female, to become an undisputed world champion. In 2022, she and Ireland's Katie Taylor made history as the first female boxers to headline a fight at New York's Madison Square Garden. A year later, she defeated Brazil's Danila Ramos in the first-ever women's unified world championship contested over 12 three-minute rounds, matching the men's championship format.
Reflecting on her career, Serrano expressed her desire to be remembered as a catalyst for change. "I want people to remember me as a game-changer," she said at a news conference. "I gave it my all in the ring. Every time I fought, every time I trained, I just left everything in the ring, and I hope that you guys see that."
Chasing the Knockout Record
Serrano is also on the verge of etching her name in the record books once more. She currently shares the women's knockout record with American Christy Martin, and a stoppage victory over Falzon would give her the outright lead. While she acknowledges the significance of the record, Serrano is focused on savoring every moment of her farewell fight. "I made sure that I went back to the 12 three-minute rounds because I want to enjoy every second, every minute of my last fight in there," she said. "I'm going to go out there and give it my all. If the knockout comes, it comes."
Falzon Ready to Seize the Opportunity
Falzon, also 38, enters the bout with a record of 12 wins and 2 losses, including 7 knockouts. The Australian challenger described the opportunity as a dream come true. "I actually cried about it," Falzon said. "The opportunity is something I'm going to grab hold of and I just can't wait. I'm not here just to take part in Amanda's history, I'm here to try to write my own. I wouldn't be a fighter if I didn't believe I could win."
Serrano welcomed Falzon's confidence, stating, "I wouldn't like if any of my opponents would come thinking they're going to come to lose. I love to fight the best out there."
A Farewell in Puerto Rico
Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Serrano has always felt a deep connection to her homeland and its people. "You guys [have] been with me from the very beginning, supporting me, loving me, and I've been fighting for you guys," she said. "I bring my flag with me, it's in my heart. I'm always with you, and I fight for you. I just want you guys to celebrate my long journey, and it's going to be a great night."
Serrano's decision to retire, she explained, was simply down to time, and she always knew she would hang up her gloves in Puerto Rico. As she prepares for her final walk to the ring, the boxing world will be watching to see if she can cap off her illustrious career with one last knockout and cement her status as a true game-changer.
