For Taking Away “The Choice to Fight the Same as the Men”, Amanda Serrano Vacates WBC Featherweight Title in Retaliation

World Featherweight champion, Amanda Serrano has relinquished her WBC title in strong retaliation to the sanctioning body’s stance on not allowing female fighters to undertake fights of the same rules as her male counterparts. Before this, the President of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman had defended the different rule sets for male and female competitors citing their ‘safety and well-being’. However, a large sect of the boxing community however did not welcome his rationale. Serrano led the front in condemnation of it.

Serrano remains undisputed in her weight class after she defeated Erika Cruz Hernandez in February this year. Months later, in October, she went on to make history after defeating Danilla Ramos in a 12 3-minutes round fight, the first female fight of its kind to take place since 2007. Normally, as per the books, female fights are meant to be fought over 10-2 minutes rounds. In contrast, male boxers have the choice to go beyond and undertake, 12 rounds of 3 minutes each. While most sanctioning bodies approved of the extended rounds and duration, the WBC did not. Now, in condemnation of its stance, the fighter has vacated the title.

Amanda Serrano Voices for same rules as men

Taking to her Instagram, the Puerto Rican fame voiced her demand to let her and her female counterparts to be allowed to choose between 10-rounds and 12-rounds fights. While citing the times she has made history, she reminded herself and the world of the responsibilities that came with such feats. She wrote, “I am the only boxer, male or female, from Puerto Rico to become undisputed champion. I am the only female boxer to have won titles in 7 divisions. I am the first female boxer, along with Katie to headline Madison Square Garden. I am the first female boxer to make 7 figures from a fight and the same from sponsors.”

She mentioned the history she had created by supposedly transcending gender norms of the sport. Yes, the time she fought the first 12-3minutes rounds fight in 16 years. Then came the big announcement. She wrote, “The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality. So I am relinquishing their title.” Serrano thanked the organizations that have allowed for such fights to take place, labeling them, “evolved for Equality!” With this, there remains a staunch critical outlook of the WBC. How has it defended its position?

“Safety and Well-being”: WBC reasons out

Earlier in September, Serrano with other female boxers had rallied for 12-3 minutes long fights. However, the WBC vehemently denied to permit such propositions. The body’s president, Suleiman wrote on X, “Tennis, women play three sets. Basketball, the basket is shorter and the ball smaller and those are not contact sports. We stand by safety and well-being of the fighters.”

Also Read: Jake Paul Hails Amanda Serrano as She Relinquishes WBC Title in a Battle for Equality

In light of this raging debate, it becomes  important to ponder upon the brazen gender based norms that exist in not just boxing, but all sports. It has become more than necessary to see if sports can be inclusive of gender differences, and establish a more equal landscape. Today, boxing undergoes this emergence, soon other sports will follow too.

Should we be allowed to undertake 12-3 minutes long rounds? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch This Story: Best Highlights from Amanda Serrano vs. Danila Ramos