Amanda Serrano defends her WBA and WBO featherweight titles against Lucrecia Manzur in California on Friday. The bout marks the first world championship boxing event streamed live on TikTok, with Serrano targeting a record 33rd career knockout victory.
Serrano has won world titles across seven weight divisions since turning professional in 2009. A stoppage victory against Argentina’s Manzur would give the Puerto Rican champion her 50th professional win. It would also break her current tie with pioneer Christy Martin for the most knockout wins in women’s boxing history.
Having joined TikTok six months ago, the 37-year-old champion actively uses the platform to interact directly with supporters. Speaking about her growing digital audience, Serrano said: ” I do giveaways, give tickets away for my fights. They came to California, they came to El Paso. You do battles, you meet so many people. I’m excited to make history.”
The contest is scheduled for 12 rounds using two-minute round duration.
Serrano believes the higher pace of two-minute rounds will give her the ideal opportunity to earn a stoppage finish. Addressing the round length, she said: “With the two minutes, I get to give it my all. It’s so much higher pace than three minutes. I can just give everything.”
The bout is Serrano’s penultimate appearance before a planned final retirement contest in Puerto Rico. In addition to her ring career, she has begun managing young fighters like Krista Rosado and Alexis Chaparro under Most Valuable Promotions alongside co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul. While former undisputed super-bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney has moved up to featherweight targeting a matchup, Serrano remains focused on her exit strategy.
Reflecting on her career transition, Serrano said: “Seventeen years, I’ve accomplished what I wanted. Now it’s time to enjoy the sport from the other side, watching them.”
Long-time rival Katie Taylor is also nearing the end of her career, with a farewell bout against Flora Pili scheduled at Dublin’s Croke Park on 5 September. Serrano and Taylor shared 30 rounds across three historic bouts, with Taylor winning all three by decision.
Looking ahead to their eventual induction into the Hall of Fame, Serrano said: “I wouldn’t be prouder than to share that moment with Katie Taylor. She’s a great champion and a great human being.”
