Serrano Steps Up To 130 Pounds For IBF Title Opportunity

ByBoxing Press

Unbeaten NABF Featherweight Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano steps-up one weight class for her first world title fight, when she takes on WIBF Inter-Continental lightweight titlist Kimberly Connor in a 10-round bout for the vacant IBF Female junior lightweight title, Saturday night at home in Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex.

“It’s wonderful,” Amanda remarked about fighting for her first world title at home in Brooklyn. “It’s nerve wracking. I’m anxious, really excited and all of these emotions are mixed-up. I’m going to have a lot of people there supporting me.”

The 23-year-old Serrano (11-0-1, 7 KOs), a native of Puerto Rico who is now fighting out of Brooklyn, will be attempting to become the first world champion in her family, as well as the Boxing 360 stable.

Her older sister, Cindy “Checkmate” Serrano (15-3-2, 7 KOs), fights Anne Sophie Mathis (24-1, 21 KOs) on October 1 in France for the WIBA, WIBF and WBF welterweight championships. The sisters often spar together and somewhere down the road they may face each other in a fight.

“Cindy worked real hard and led the path for me,” Amanda noted. “She opened a lot of doors for me. She’s just as excited about this fight as me. Winning a world title first really doesn’t matter. It’s cool because we live together and we’ll both be able to see the title belt every day.

“We’re the best sparring partner for each other. I never have a good day with her. We both agree that we’d rather fight than spar each other. I don’t know too much about my opponent other than she’s tough. I hope she’s trained hard for this fight and is willing to die in the ring like I am.”

Serrano and Connor are rated No. 5 and No. 8, respectfully, by the IBF.

“We’re proud of Amanda and what she’s accomplished so far in the ring and believe that this is just the beginning for her,” Boxing 360 CEO & Founder Mario Yagobi said. “She’s earned this title shot and we’re confident that she will become our first world champion.”

Connor (9-1-2, 4 KOs), who lives in Arkansas, appreciates her title-shot opportunity. “I’m very happy to be fighting for a world title and believe that this could be my time,” Connor commented. “I’m excited because I’ve never fought outside the South. This is my first time in New York City. It’s huge. The entire population of Arkansas could fit in one of these boroughs.

“I know Amanda is really good, quick and a southpaw. I know fighting her will step-up my game. I have a pretty good jab but tend to brawl a bit. It all depends on who I’m fighting and what approach she decides to take. I do like to brawl and fans enjoy watching my style of fighting.”