Amanda Serrano celebrated her Puerto Rico homecoming with a dominant points victory over Reina Tellez at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, successfully defending her WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine featherweight titles.
The 37-year-old seven-division world champion displayed her trademark skill and ring intelligence throughout the fight, extending her professional record to 48 wins, four losses, and one draw. This was Serrano’s first fight in her home country since 2021, and she did not disappoint her fans with a performance marked by precision, tactical awareness, and relentless pressure.
“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 bout.
Serrano vs Tellez: Fight Breakdown
The fight, contested over 10 three-minute rounds under men’s boxing rules, saw Serrano dictate the pace early. Utilizing sharp combinations and accurate body shots from her southpaw stance, she kept the 22-year-old American challenger on the back foot.
Tellez, who accepted the fight on just 15 days’ notice, proved resilient. She landed an overhand left in the fifth round that caused swelling under Serrano’s right eye, marking the first defeat in Tellez’s 15-fight career. Despite this setback, Serrano’s experience proved decisive in the latter stages, allowing her to regain control and maintain dominance until the final bell.
The judges scored the bout 98-92, 97-93, and 97-93, confirming Serrano’s clear victory.
Serrano’s Strategy and Performance
Despite Tellez’s spirited challenge, Serrano’s composure, experience, and tactical nous allowed her to manage distance, cut off the ring, and protect her vision from the swelling under her eye. Her sustained combinations in the final round highlighted her relentless approach, though a stoppage eluded her.
“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,” Serrano said.
Heavy favorite Serrano had initially been scheduled to fight Erika Cruz in a rematch. Cruz withdrew due to an atypical result in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test, prompting the late substitution of Tellez.
Support Card Spotlight: Holly Holm vs Stephanie Han
In the chief support bout, former MMA champion and boxing great Holly Holm returned to the ring after a 12-year professional boxing hiatus. Holm, 44, challenged WBA lightweight title-holder Stephanie Han, but the fight ended in the seventh round after an accidental clash of heads caused a cut to Han’s forehead. Han retained her title via unanimous decision, highlighting the risks and unpredictability of high-level boxing.
Future Unification Hopes for Serrano
Following her victory, Serrano expressed interest in potential unification bouts with WBC lightweight champion Tiara Brown or IBF title-holder Nina Meinke. Such matchups could further solidify her position as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.
Serrano’s performance reinforced her reputation as a world-class boxer, demonstrating that age has not diminished her skill or determination. Her combination of power, technique, and ring intelligence makes her a formidable force in the featherweight division.
Tribute to Fallen Colleagues
The event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, founded by Jake Paul, also paid tribute to Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, friends of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who tragically died in a car accident. Their names were displayed on the ring canvas, honoring their contributions to the sport.
Summary
- Winner: Amanda Serrano (Puerto Rico)
- Defeated: Reina Tellez (USA)
- Titles: WBA, WBO, Ring Magazine Featherweight
- Scorecards: 98-92, 97-93, 97-93
- Location: Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Record: Serrano improves to 48-4-1
Serrano’s victory cements her status as one of boxing’s most versatile champions and sets the stage for exciting unification bouts in the featherweight division. The Puerto Rican fighter’s homecoming win will be remembered for her skill, resilience, and tactical brilliance.
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