Someone recently mentioned to Amanda Serrano that the great Manny Pacquiao won titles in a record eight weight classes but she corrected that person.
“We consider it six divisions,” she said.
Serrano doesn’t have anything against Pacquiao, one of the most beloved fighters of his era. She simply wants you to know that her titles in seven divisions should be considered the most in history.
How’s that?
Well, Pacquiao won only Ring Magazine titles in two divisions, featherweight and junior welterweight. Some recognize the publication’s titles, many (including Boxing Junkie) don’t, yet somehow it became universally accepted that he was an eight-division champion.
In other words, Serrano has a point. She arguably holds the record.
Of course, Serrano (41-1-1, 30 KOs) and other women boxers are constantly fighting for recognition comparable to that of the men. And it remains an uphill battle, even in the case of a seven-division champion.
That said, a showdown looms for Serrano that could to true star status. If she beats Miriam Gutierrez on the Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley II card Saturday in Tampa, Florida, she’s expected to face undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor in what would be an enormous women’s fight.
“A fight with Katie Taylor would be the biggest in women’s boxing history,” Serrano said. “We’re both top of the pound-for-pound lists, so that’s extremely exciting. We’re both tremendous fighters and we want to prove who’s the best on fight night.”
That doesn’t mean she’s overlooking Gutierrez (14-1, 5 KOs) even though the Spanish fighter lost a near-shutout decision against Taylor in January of last year and has beaten no one of note.
The only advantage Gutierrez might have is that she’s a natural 135-pounder, the weight at which Serrano would fight Taylor. Serrano currently holds three titles at 126 pounds, which is her natural weight, but she won belts at 130, 135 and 140 in the past.
“For me and my team, we’re always making sure that I’m staying humble,” Serrano said. “I have a task in front of me and that’s Miriam Gutierrez. I always train like I’m the underdog. Once you overlook your opponent, you won’t get what you want in the future.”
She went on: “I’m expecting a war on Saturday. Gutierrez is a tough and durable fighter. She’s a natural lightweight too. This is a good measuring stick for me and Katie Taylor, because that’s the only person to beat Gutierrez. I know what I’m capable of doing at 135 pounds.”
If she wins on Saturday, we’ll see what she’s capable of against her toughest opponent yet.
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