Amanda Serrano Gives Up WBC Title In An Equality Protest
Amanda Serrano has made the decision to vacate her WBC featherweight belt in opposition to the organisation’s refusal to sanction her fights under 12 three-minute rounds.
Serrano had made her stance very clear following her victory over Danila Ramos. This was a fight which she contested under men’s rules. After the fight, the champion indicated her desire to fight under those rules moving forward. The WBO, WBA, and IBF have supported Serrano’s wishes. This is why those belts were on the line against Ramos, unlike the WBC strap. Therefore, the failure of the WBC to change their stance has resulted in Serrano giving up the belt.
Serrano Reacts
“I am the first undisputed female champion to fight 12×3 minute rounds. Moving forward, if a sanctioning body doesn’t want to give me and my fellow fighters the choice to fight the same as the men, then I will not be fighting for that sanctioning body. The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality.
“So, I am relinquishing their title…Thank You to the sanctioning bodies who have evolved for equality. If you want to face me in the ring, you have a choice. I’ve made mine. Thank you to all of my fellow fighters who have stood with me. [And] thank you to my team. Thank you to my fans. And above all, thank you God. I’m blessed,” Serrano said
Implications
This naturally begs the question: What other implications could follow? Well, Serrano’s decision could put more pressure on the WBC, especially if an influx of other fighters decided to do the same in the other weight classes. As of now, there is nothing to indicate that it will happen.
After all, by giving up the belt, Serrano is no longer undisputed at super featherweight even if she did not lose her title in the ring. In addition, the fallout could have an impact on Serrano’s earning power moving forward. Being an undisputed champion naturally brings more sponsorship deals, given that it places fighters as the best in their weight class.
While Serrano could benefit from this for taking a stance, there is equally a chance that some sponsors simply relocate themselves to the next undisputed champion. And yet, there is a chance that Serrano’s decision could put more power in the hands of fighters. Boxers are already behest to the governing bodies due to the rules concerning mandatories and of course sanctioning fees.
Those issues are outside the control of fighters, but with Serrano taking a stance, it could lead to more concessions. If the WBC were to backtrack on their decision, fighters may decide to take action when it comes to tackling other issues plaguing the sport.
Regardless of what the case may be, the move has given the WBC interim featherweight champion Skye Nicolson a boost. The former will become the full champion at some point, or she will be ordered to fight the next-highest-ranked fighter for the belt. Either way, Serrano’s move has shaken up boxing.
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