Amanda Serrano Defeats Argentina’s Yamila Reynoso
By David A. Avila
Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano captured a sixth division world title with a steady stream of punches to defeat Argentina’s strong Yamila Reynoso by unanimous decision on Saturday. It’s unchartered territory for women.
Serrano now joins Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao as the only other prizefighters with six division world titles.
After a year layoff from boxing Serrano (35-1-1, 26 KOs) returned to the boxing ring at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and plowed into Reynoso (11-5-3, 8 KOs) with powerful combinations to win the vacant WBO super lightweight title. Though equal in height, the weight difference was telling.
“She’s tough but not skilled,” said Serrano, 29. “Most can be tough but you have to have skills too.”
The Puerto Rican southpaw jumped on the Argentine fighter at the opening bell and delivered powerful combinations. Though punches were returned by Reynoso they were not landing as much. After three rounds of constant pounding the action slowed a bit.
Serrano created more distance and began buzz bombing Reynoso with strategic blows to the body and head in the middle rounds. When Reynoso tried to answer, Serrano would move out of range or slip under the attack like a stealth jet.
“I can box or brawl if I have to,” said Serrano who changed attacks that confused Reynoso at times.
Argentina is famous for being one of the top countries that support female boxing. On almost a weekly basis female prizefighting is televised by the South American country that has produced several of the best in the world such as Yesica Bopp, Marcela Acuna and Erica Farias.
Reynoso had previously fought Farias for the world title and lost by decision. She had never been stopped and hoped her strength would allow her to upset the Puerto Rican champion based in Brooklyn. It didn’t happen. And when Serrano looked to put on the pressure and go for the knockout in the last two rounds the intensity of the fight increased. Both landed and absorbed big blows in a final explosion.
Despite both female fighters landing big shots neither was hurt. Though most of Reynoso’s wins came via knockout, Serrano was still in the pocket firing bombs back at the naturally heavier fighter until the final bell.
After 10 rounds the judges declared Serrano the winner by scores 99-91 on all three cards. The Puerto Rican star now has won six world titles in six different weight divisions. It’s an incredible feat.
“It makes me happy to be the first and only female,” said Serrano.
She stands alone now.
(Photo by Amanda Westcott/Showtime)