Amanda Serrano and Yazmin Rivas's battle for the WBO world title on national television could potentially benefit women in the sport in a big way, according to both women.
Serrano and Rivas main evented Showtime's first boxing broadcast from the Barclays Center on January 14, the first time the Network had shown women's boxing in almost 17 years. Serrano, who beat Rivas to retain her title, said in a post-fight interview she picked Rivas as her opponent because of her skills, but was confident that she was winning the fight as it progressed.
"We picked a tough opponent because we wanted to showcase that I can beat good fighters and take a punch if I have to," Serrano said. "I can do everything in the ring. We wanted the toughest fighter out there and she came to fight. She hit hard but I hit her harder. I could hear her breathing in between rounds and I knew I had her. It was a great night for women's boxing and I hope it keeps getting bigger and bigger."
Despite the loss, Rivas said it was a successful night for women in the sport, believing it opens the door for more televised boxing cards featuring female boxers.
"I believe that after this fight, women will have more opportunities to show their skills on television," Rivas said.
Serrano defeated Rivas via unanimous decision (97-93, 98-92, 99-91) to retain her WBO Female Junior Featherweight Championship on a Showtime Extreme televised card. Fightful scored the fight in favor of Serrano 98-92.
