The Comeback of Amanda Serrano: A Dominant Victory and Future Prospects
Amanda Serrano, a seven-division world champion, recently showcased her resilience after facing defeat in her trilogy bout against Katie Taylor. On January 3, 2026, in her home city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Serrano secured a streamlined decision victory over Reina Tellez, a challenger who stepped up on short notice. The bout marked a significant comeback for Serrano, who defended her WBO and WBA featherweight titles with grace and tenacity.
Record and Achievements
With this recent victory, Serrano’s professional record now stands tall at 48 wins, four losses, and one draw. Notably, 31 of those wins have come via knockout, underscoring her punching power and skill inside the ring. Ahead of the fight, she expressed her ambition to break Christy Martin’s record for the most knockouts in women’s boxing history, which currently sits at 32. Serrano has set her sights on reaching 50 career victories before transitioning away from the sport.
Current Standing in Women’s Boxing
Despite the setbacks, Serrano remains a formidable force within the boxing community, particularly at featherweight, where she remains undefeated. In a post-fight interview, she emphasized the growing talent pool within the division, noting, “There are a lot of new girls, new champions at featherweight. That’s a nice thing to see.” As the unified featherweight champion, her desire is to face off against other champions in the division, an indication of her drive to elevate women’s boxing.
Potential Opponents on the Horizon
While a rematch with Taylor seems unlikely, several viable opponents are emerging for Serrano’s next bout. Her recent decision to vacate the WBC title—prompted by disagreements over sanctioning women’s bouts using the same rules as men—has potentially removed the prospect of a unification fight with WBC titleholder Tiara Brown. Instead, a showdown with IBF champion Nina Meinke (19-3, 4 KOs) is a feasible option, especially considering their previously scheduled fight was abruptly canceled due to Serrano being declared medically unfit.
Another possible contender is interim WBA titleholder Jennifer Miranda, who is looking to bounce back after recently suffering her first career loss. The boxing community watches closely to see whom Serrano might face next, given her established record and reputation.
Rivalries and Future Fights
In the wing, Erika Cruz, who was originally slated to fight Serrano, remains a clouded figure due to her recent drug test issues. Following Serrano’s win against Tellez, Cruz took to social media, asserting that Serrano’s reluctance to face her is rooted in fear. Such public challenges add an intriguing layer to Serrano’s upcoming decisions, as rivalries in boxing often fuel excitement in the sport.
The Road Ahead
At 37, Serrano’s age juxtaposes her enduring vigor and skill, as she demonstrated in her recent win. With clear goals in sight—specifically breaking Martin’s knockout record and achieving 50 wins—Serrano’s career is at a pivotal point. Her fierce competitive spirit ensures that the boxing world will keep a close eye on her journey as she navigates upcoming fights and challengers.
In discussing her aspirations, Serrano has made it evident that her ambitions extend beyond personal achievements. She is a passionate advocate for equality in women’s boxing and has expressed dissatisfaction with the existing disparities in fight regulations. This commitment mirrors her desire not only to succeed but also to elevate the entire sport for future generations of female boxers.
The excitement surrounding Serrano showcases her importance in not just boxing but also in the broader conversation around women in sports. As she positions herself for the next chapter in her illustrious career, fans and analysts alike anticipate what the next fights will bring for “The Real Deal.”