Amanda Serrano returned home to Puerto Rico and delivered a commanding performance, defending her WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine featherweight titles with a points victory over American challenger Reina Tellez. Fighting in her homeland for the first time since 2021, the 37-year-old showcased her sharp combinations, tactical smarts, and vast experience at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan.
Serrano’s Experience Prevails
Tellez, who stepped in on just 15 days’ notice, proved to be a spirited opponent, landing a powerful overhand left in the fifth round that caused swelling under Serrano’s right eye. Despite the early scare, Serrano’s ring intelligence and composure controlled the fight in the later rounds. She earned unanimous scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 97-93, extending her professional record to 48 wins, four defeats, and one draw. “I’m super thankful and grateful to Reina for coming on short notice and coming to fight. She’s a warrior,” Serrano said after the fight.
Serrano’s aggressive start included precise body shots and left-hand combinations from her southpaw stance. Even when the fight became scrappier in the middle rounds, she used her experience to manage distance, protect her injured eye, and gradually regain control. The 10th round saw Serrano increasing the pressure and unleashing sustained combinations, though a late stoppage proved elusive.
A Night of Highlights and Challenges
The event also featured Holly Holm, the combat sports veteran, in her attempt to become a four-division boxing champion. Holm, 44, returned to the ring after more than a decade in MMA, facing WBA lightweight titleholder Stephanie Han. The fight was stopped in the seventh round due to a cut on Han’s forehead from an accidental clash of heads, giving Han a unanimous decision victory.
Heavy favourite Serrano had promised an emphatic performance but faced a resilient challenge from 22-year-old Tellez. Originally, Serrano was scheduled to fight Erika Cruz in a rematch, but Cruz withdrew after a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test issue. Tellez, who missed the featherweight limit, could not win the titles even if she had prevailed, while a loss for Serrano would have vacated her belts.
Celebrating Puerto Rican Boxing
Promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, founded by Jake Paul, the event also paid tribute to late fighters Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, with their names displayed on the ring canvas. Serrano reflected on her homecoming, saying, “It’s been two years since I fought at this weight. I feel the next fights are going to be much better, and I’m glad I could give the fans a show.”
The victory reinforces Serrano’s dominance in women’s boxing and provides a memorable Puerto Rican homecoming for the seven-division world champion, who continues to blend skill, experience, and heart inside the ring.
