Serrano vs. Cruz 2: Epic Rematch Set To Take Place in Puerto Rico

Amanda Serrano isn’t just fighting for titles anymore; she’s fighting for legacy, for equality, and for a chance at redemption in front of her own people. On January 3, 2026, “The Real Deal” steps back into the ring in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a rematch against the relentless Erika Cruz. This isn’t just another fight; it’s a homecoming that was cruelly snatched away before, and it carries the weight of a promise Serrano made to her island.

Last time Serrano was slated to fight in Puerto Rico, disaster struck. Minutes before her scheduled bout against Nina Meinke in December 2023, a freak eye injury from a hair treatment forced her to withdraw. The disappointment was a shared heartbreak between a champion and her adoring fans. Now, she returns to the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, not just to defend her WBO and WBA featherweight titles, but to fulfill that promise. This time, the stakes feel higher, the narrative more personal. It’s about more than just a win; it’s about making things right.

Why This Rematch Is More Than Just a Fight

The first time these two warriors met in February 2023, it was nothing short of a spectacle. A bloody, brutal, all-action war that saw them throw a staggering 1,917 punches. Serrano walked away with a unanimous decision and became Puerto Rico’s first-ever undisputed champion in the four-belt era. It was a fight that etched itself into the memory of every fan who witnessed it—a true Fight of the Year contender.

But this rematch brings a revolutionary twist. Serrano and Cruz have agreed to fight under the same rules as their male counterparts: 10, three-minute rounds. This is a monumental step for women’s boxing, a cause Serrano has championed for years. She isn’t just fighting Cruz; she’s fighting for every woman who dreams of lacing up the gloves, proving they deserve the same stage, the same rules, and the same respect.

“Every time I step into the ring, I fight for all women, for equality and for Puerto Rico,” Serrano declared. For her, this fight is a fusion of all her passions. Winning is important, but winning under these conditions, in her homeland, would be a career-defining moment.

The State of Amanda Serrano’s Career

At 37, Serrano is at a fascinating crossroads. Her legacy is secure, but her recent record tells a story of “what ifs.” She’s coming off a trilogy with Katie Taylor that, while elevating women’s boxing to unprecedented heights, left her with an 0-3 record against her Irish rival. The first two fights were razor-thin classics that could have gone either way. The third, however, saw a more tentative Serrano, a tactical shift that didn’t pay off as Taylor comfortably took the decision.

After those battles at junior welterweight, Serrano is returning to her natural weight class at 126 pounds, where she has always looked her most dominant. Is this a fighter looking for one last blaze of glory, or is she re-establishing her dominance in the division she owns? The answer will unfold against Cruz. This isn’t just a tune-up; it’s a test of her fire, her hunger, and whether she can still be the unstoppable force at featherweight.

Erika Cruz: The Determined Underdog

Don’t for a second think Erika Cruz is just showing up for a paycheck. The Mexican warrior is a former champion herself, and she’s hungry for vengeance. The first fight was a war, and Cruz proved she has the chin, the heart, and the sheer will to stand toe-to-toe with Serrano. She brings the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry to the forefront, a dynamic that guarantees fireworks.

Since her loss to Serrano, Cruz has rebuilt, going 3-0-1. Her path hasn’t been without controversy, including a positive test for banned substances that stripped her of a super bantamweight title. But she’s fought her way back, and now she has the opportunity to spoil Serrano’s homecoming and reclaim her spot at the top. Cruz knows what this rivalry means. “If our first fight was a colossal battle,” she said, “you can’t miss what will happen on January 3.”

This rematch is a clash of narratives. For Serrano, it’s about redemption, legacy, and equality. For Cruz, it’s about revenge and proving she belongs with the elite. When these two step into the ring, expect nothing less than another unforgettable war.