Erika Cruz and Amanda Serrano got face to face with each other for the first time, ahead of a fight that will be historic in women’s boxing, as the two superstar pugilists are just days away from contesting for the undisputed crown.
Cruz, the reigning WBA female featherweight champion, will face Serrano, the WBC, WBO and IBF champion, in a unification fight. The undisputed championship will take place this Saturday, 4th February at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
“The Real Deal” wants to be the first undisputed champion in the history of Puerto Rican boxing, while Cruz seeks to achieve the feat of being the first female undisputed champ from Mexico, since Canelo Álvarez already became the first in 2021.
Despite being the underdog, Cruz is well confident in herself and belives that in her arsenal, she possesses everything that’s needed to thrash Serrano.
“I have everything to win,” Cruz said. “They know that we have the necessary weapons to defeat Amanda Serrano. I know I’m not a favourite. They think we’re going to finish ten rounds or cash, but I trained to beat Amanda Serrano.”
The face-off took place at The Edge viewpoint, located 345 meters high and with an impressive view of New York.
Erika Cruz seeks to repeat Sal Sanchez’s Feat on defeating Serrano
Against Serrano, “Dinamita” wants to repeat what Mexican boxing legend Salvador Sánchez did, who achieved one of the most important victories in the boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, when Sánchez defeated Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Gómez.
“I’ve been preparing for a fight of this magnitude for more than ten years and I’m going to do my best,” she went on, “I want to repeat the feat of Salvador Sánchez.”
Serrano, meanwhile, holds little grudge against Cruz, as she aims at making history and clinching the WBA belt from her rival.
“This is a business,” said the Puerto Rican. “I am happy and honored to be in front of a Mexican champion because it will be a great night.”
