Amanda Serrano Dominant Over Brazil’s Daniela Ramos in Historic Fight
By David A. Avila
Not only did Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano retain the featherweight championship against Brazil’s Danila Ramos by a dominant unanimous decision in 12 three-minute rounds on Friday, she also stamped herself as the leader of women’s sports.
Serrano (46-2-1, 30 Kos) plowed through the determined Ramos (12-3) in front of a sold out crowd that included Hall of Fame fighters Christy Martin, Laila Ali and Holly Holm at the Caribe Royal Orlando in Orlando, Florida.
All were there to witness history.
“I’ve been so blessed the last two years,” said Serrano adding that her signing with Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions has allowed her to get paid well and help others in pursuit of better paydays and careers.
It had been 16 years since any female fighter fought in a scheduled 12-three minute championship fight. But on this Friday night Serrano and Ramos were the first to hear the final bell in the 12th round. Barely.
Puerto Rico’s Serrano as always does not look to win by decision and the match against Ramos was no different. After an exploratory opening round, the Brooklyn-based fighter opened up with a more concerted attack in the second round. She never slowed down after that.
Brazil’s affable Ramos showed her championship pedigree by attempting to counter every attack by the Boriqua southpaw slugger. Whenever Serrano would fire a blow Ramos looked to counter with jabs and rights. She just didn’t have the firepower to stave Serrano’s attacks.
Though the Puerto Rican champion has not knocked out a foe since Daniela Bermudez in March 2021, the word is out that standing toe-to-toe with Serrano is pure folly. Ramos rarely attempted it.
After allowing Serrano to buzzsaw through three rounds, Ramos connected with a right and then another right. It allowed Serrano to unload bludgeoning body shots followed by a double right hook that snapped the head of Ramos and left her eye slightly closed.
Serrano quickly realized the damage.
In the fifth round Serrano amped up the attack another notch and stalked the Brazilian fighter with shots to the body and head including a bludgeoning five-punch combination. Serrano smelled a knockout and stalked Ramos like a shark circles its prey in warm waters.
Ramos fought back furiously but was unsuccessful in slowing the assault.
Serrano bored into the firing zone shooting body shots and right hooks to the head that Ramos tried to parry with counter rights and left jabs. Nothing worked effectively. Even a stiff counter right on the button did not slow Serrano in the seventh round.
A look of weariness on the face of Ramos was visible but she kept on her toes just moving out of range of Serrano’s power shots, but not completely. The Brazilian fighter’s face was marked and left eye was beginning to shut.
Serrano continued to target the body and never allowed the Brazilian time to rest. The pounding by the Puerto Rican fighter was incessant and violent. Ramos was forced to hold or be the target of an all out assault. She held tightly.
In the 12th and final round, a frame unknown to female world championship fighters, both sought to unload their best shots and during an exchange Serrano connected with a hammering left that shook Ramos badly. She soon dropped down to the canvas but the referee ruled it a slip though it was clear that Serrano’s blow had hurt her. The fight continued until the final bell. Both fighters hugged and both smiled.
All three judges scored every round in favor of Serrano 120-108 who retains the featherweight titles, except the WBC which does not allow 12 rounds or three-minute frames.
No loss. History was made without the WBC.
Those engaging in history were the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO organizations who supported the 12 three-minute round fight.
“I think we’re going to see a lot more of it,” said Holly Holm, who worked as an analyst for DAZN.
Despite going 12 furious three-minute rounds, Serrano was energetic after the fight.
“I still have energy to hold all of my belts,” said Serrano with a smile.
Asked why she sought to accomplish the historic moment Serrano was precise.
“It’s not just for me it’s for the sport of women’s boxing,” Serrano said. “I hope this is just the beginning.”
Krystal Rosado Wins
Puerto Rico’s Krystal Rosado (2-0) showed off her hand speed and polish but could not avoid the constant head clashes from Hungary’s Kata Pap (1-1) who advances with a lowered head.
After four rounds of head butts Rosado emerged with cuts on both sides of the face but managed to unload some flashy combinations including a speedy double left hook combination. After four rounds all three judges scored in favor of Rosado 40-36.
Rosado is a protégé of Amanda Serrano who manages her.