Amanda Serrano Refuses to Get Dragged Into Erika Cruz’s Doping Test Debacle

As leading torchbearers of women’s boxing, the sporting community acknowledges Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor not only for their outstanding boxing skills but also for their strict professional conduct. Nothing better exemplifies this than Serrano’s latest tweet on a crisis facing one of her former opponents.

On November 18, 2023, Erika Cruz became a world champion once again. Nine months earlier, in February, she suffered her second career loss, ceding the featherweight title to Amanda Serrano. Two weeks ago, on May 11, despite a draw, she defended her WBA super bantamweight title from Nazarena Romero. Subsequently, though news followed that based on anti-doping tests conducted before the fight, she reportedly returned positive results for ‘Stanozolol’. Often, when someone is down, it presents a golden opportunity for a rival to go for the win. However, Serrano would have none of it. In a strongly worded post, she shared her thoughts on the subject with fans and followers, proving why she is ‘The Real Deal’.

The unified featherweight champion had a simple message for all those who wanted to hear something about the Erika Cruz doping controversy. “To those DM’ing & asking me about my thoughts on this, I’ll say I don’t comment on others issues,” she said. She made it clear that she didn’t have much knowledge about what precisely happened.

Serrano said, “I don’t know what happened, so to be fair, I won’t say or disrespect anyone for things I’m not certain of,” recalling further, “When we fought, VADA wasn’t activated, & she didn’t pop.” So she proceeded to give her best, performing in the most professional manner.

Wishing Erika Cruz the best, ‘The Real Deal’ said, “I wish Erika the best, & maybe there’s a legal explanation. I don’t know, so I’ll mind my business as usual. I’m just happy no ones hurt off of all these findings.” Not one to get browbeaten, Amanda also posted a clarification that, just as they had done for their first match two years ago, for the rematch as well, both she and Katie Taylor had signed up for the necessary evil- VADA testing.

Boom goes the dynamite!

Amanda Serrano’s message followed an update from none other than the veteran boxing writer, Dan Rafael. He was quick to point out that he was in possession of Erika Cruz’s lab reports. “BREAKING: I have the lab report, & WBA women’s 122 titlist Erika Cruz, who had D10 vs. Nazarena Romero in May 11 defense on Matchroom’s Mexico card, was positive for Stanozolol metabolites 16b-hydroxystanozolol & 3′-hydroxystanozolol in Drug Free Sport urine test April 29,” he said.

So, what really took place here? Well, a sample from Erika Cruz was taken on April 29 but the dispatch to the laboratory happened on May 7 only. The test results arrived after an arduous two weeks.

So, what is this ‘stanozolol?’ It is basically a testosterone-based steroid. Roid? You heard that right! Along with augmenting power and stamina so that you feel like Hulk, it also bulks up your muscles. Sounds advantageous, right? However, there’s more! If a secondary test also returns a positive report, then the Mexican boxer will have to bear the brunt of disqualification. What’s worse is that she will also have to give up her current prestigious title.

In the last couple of weeks, after Ryan Garcia, Erika Cruz’s is the second doping-related case to have rocked the boxing world. At the end of the day, all fans expect a neat and fair fight between two equals. The moment terms such as ‘unfair advantage’ and ‘fair play’ are tossed around, both an athlete’s legacy as well as the sport’s honor comes under the scanner.

What’s your take on the story and Amanda Serrano’s stance? Do chime in with your viewpoints below.