Boxing is not a sport for the faint of the heart and requires mental toughness, unlike any other sport. This is the reason there is a popular phrase in the sport, “You don’t play boxing”. Moreover, the recent war between seven-division champion Amanda Serrano and Ericka Cruz proved to be the perfect example of how brutal the sport can get. The fight was a 10-round slugfest with Serrano getting the victory via unanimous decision. However, this was one of the tougher tests for the now undisputed 126-pound champion who now holds all 4 major titles in the division.
Cruz started off the match with constant pressure but was starting to get blasted in as the fight went on. She would even get cut in the third round but went on to fight with a gash on her head for over six rounds. Naturally, this ended up with her looking like a train wreck after the fight.
Erika Cruz shows off injuries after her devastating loss
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Boxing journalist Dan Rafel posted a picture of Cruz after the fight showcasing the brutality of the contest. Her face was covered in blood and was swollen beyond recognition. Moreover, he even shared the popular phrase of the sport to make people better understand the nature of boxing. “Erika Cruz’s face. You don’t play #boxing,” he wrote.
Rafael’s statements certainly hold a lot of truth to them and the fans were also quick to point this out as they came out and praised Cruz for her commendable effort against a world-class boxer like Serrano.
Fans pour in reactions following Erika Cruz’s performance
One fan stated that he would love to see a rematch between the two fighters or just Cruz fighting other opponents.
Would love a rematch down the line 🔥 or just more fights from her
— Luis Diaz (@LRDiazAuthor) February 5, 2023
Another fan showed his respect for Cruz after this encapsulating performance.
Respect for this warrior.
— Philinwavy (@philinwavy) February 5, 2023
A fan even touted her as the perfect representative of boxing and that fighters like her make the sport special.
she is boxing. fighter liker her makes boxing boxing
— ASHISH (@farziaashiqqq) February 5, 2023
Moreover, one fan was seemingly excited about the future of women’s boxing after witnessing this performance.
Women Boxing continue to lead the way in boxing, very excited
— Gabriel Velázquez (@Gabriel16886431) February 5, 2023
Lastly, one fan wished that male boxers could put on performances as the female fighters did.
I wish the "men" fought like the "bitches" 😭 😭 😭
— 💜 Notorious️ 💜 (@notorious_gmc) February 5, 2023
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While this was a great display of grit from Cruz, it wasn’t enough to beat Serrano who is currently one of the best female boxers in the world. Moreover, she is now setting her sights on getting her revenge against Katie Taylor who she lost to in a controversial split decision.
The fight is scheduled for May and will take place in Dublin, Ireland with UFC star Conor McGregor also pledging to give out $500,000 in sponsorship deals. It is safe to say that female fighters are now finally getting the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication.
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What did you think about Cruz’s post-fight condition? Let us know in the comments.