In the world of combat sports, very few athletes have managed to etch their names into history across multiple disciplines, and even fewer have done so with the power, resilience, and determination of Amanda Serrano. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Serrano has become an undisputed symbol of excellence in women’s boxing, blazing a trail across MMA and professional wrestling as well. Known as “The Real Deal,” Amanda Serrano’s journey is one of grit, sacrifice, and unstoppable ambition. From humble beginnings to becoming a world champion in seven weight classes, Serrano’s legacy transcends titles—she is a catalyst for change in women’s combat sports.
Early Life and Introduction to Combat Sports
Amanda Serrano was born on October 9, 1988, in Carolina, Puerto Rico. At a young age, her family relocated to Brooklyn, where she grew up in a tight-knit Puerto Rican community. Her older sister, Cindy Serrano, was an established boxer and her inspiration. Amanda initially had no intention of becoming a fighter, dreaming instead of a career in swimming or dance. However, watching her sister train and fight awakened a fire in her.
In 2008, Amanda decided to try boxing seriously. Under the guidance of her trainer and manager Jordan Maldonado, who is also her brother-in-law, she began a journey that would redefine the limits of what a female fighter could achieve. She turned professional in 2009 and quickly made an impact.
Rise Through the Ranks: Breaking Barriers
Amanda Serrano’s rise through the ranks was nothing short of meteoric. Her aggressive, power-punching style—rare among female fighters—set her apart. In 2011, she claimed her first world title, the IBF super featherweight belt, and from there, her dominance only grew. Over the next decade, Serrano would collect world titles in seven weight divisions, ranging from super flyweight to super lightweight—a feat unmatched in female boxing and only comparable to the likes of Manny Pacquiao in men’s boxing.
Her power was extraordinary. Serrano recorded over 30 knockouts in her career, a staggering number in women’s boxing where knockouts are relatively rare due to shorter rounds and fewer rounds per bout. Her technical skill, combined with ferocious punching ability, made her a crowd favorite.
Major Titles and Achievements
Some of Amanda Serrano’s most notable accomplishments include:
- IBF Super Featherweight Title (2011)
- WBO Lightweight Title (2014)
- WBO Featherweight Title (2016)
- WBO Super Bantamweight Title (2016)
- WBO Bantamweight Title (2017)
- WBO Junior Welterweight Title (2018)
- Undisputed Featherweight Champion (2023)
In 2021, Amanda made history by becoming the first Puerto Rican—male or female—to win world titles in seven different weight classes, and the first woman to hold this many simultaneously across varying organizations.
A Pioneer for Women’s Boxing
Amanda Serrano has long advocated for better recognition, pay, and opportunities for female boxers. For years, women’s boxing existed in the shadows of its male counterpart, with fewer televised fights and dramatically lower purses. Serrano used her growing influence to challenge the status quo.
She was among the first female fighters to vocally support equal pay and main event billing, often making financial sacrifices to build the sport’s visibility. One of her most groundbreaking moments came in April 2022, when she faced Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden. It was the first time two women headlined a boxing event at the iconic venue. The fight, dubbed as one of the biggest in women’s boxing history, lived up to the hype with a brutal 10-round war that saw Taylor win via split decision.
Despite the loss, Serrano earned widespread respect and praise. The bout was a watershed moment for women’s boxing, with both fighters walking away richer—not just financially, but in legacy. Serrano’s stock soared, and so did the visibility of women’s combat sports.
Crossing Over: MMA and Pro Wrestling
Not content with dominating just boxing, Amanda Serrano also ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA). She made her MMA debut in 2018 and quickly impressed fans with her striking prowess and improved grappling skills. With a record of 2-0-1, Serrano showed she was not just experimenting—she was serious about proving her versatility.
Her decision to cross into MMA stemmed partially from the lack of financial security in boxing. She was candid about the fact that MMA fighters, particularly in major promotions, often had better pay structures. Serrano trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and earned a blue belt, adding submission skills to her arsenal.
Additionally, Serrano has made appearances in professional wrestling, particularly with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). As part of a broader strategy to grow her personal brand and promote women in combat sports, Serrano’s wrestling involvement reflects her understanding of sports entertainment and her ambition to influence pop culture.
Personal Life and Public Image
Amanda Serrano is fiercely private about her personal life but openly proud of her Puerto Rican heritage. She has become a role model for young Latina athletes and a vocal advocate for the island’s culture and resilience. Fluent in Spanish and English, she uses her platform to connect with fans across the Americas.
Known for her humility, Serrano has often said she fights not just for personal glory but for her family and fans. Despite global fame, she maintains a grounded personality, often training in the same modest Brooklyn gyms where she began her career.
Business Moves and Collaborations
Serrano’s rise to fame has also come with smart business decisions. She signed with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The partnership brought increased media exposure and sponsorship opportunities. Jake Paul has been an outspoken supporter of Amanda, using his large social media presence to campaign for her inclusion in major events and equitable pay.
This partnership helped catapult her into mainstream recognition. Under MVP, Serrano has secured better fight deals, media appearances, and a growing fanbase beyond the hardcore boxing community.
Fighting Style and Legacy
Amanda Serrano’s fighting style is a blend of aggression, technical precision, and endurance. She is known for her ability to cut off the ring, throw body shots with devastating power, and finish opponents quickly. Yet, she can also go the distance, using her ring IQ and adaptability to outlast even the toughest challengers.
Her versatility is arguably her most impressive trait. Whether she’s fighting at 115 pounds or 140 pounds, she carries her power and composure. She is equally effective fighting orthodox or southpaw, and she adjusts her strategy depending on her opponent’s style.
Few fighters in history—male or female—can claim the kind of dominance across so many divisions that Serrano has demonstrated. Her name is already etched alongside all-time greats like Laila Ali, Christy Martin, and Claressa Shields, and she continues to chase new heights.
Cultural and Social Impact
Amanda Serrano represents more than titles—she represents change. She is a beacon for underrepresented groups in sports: a Latina, a woman, and a working-class fighter who earned everything through grit. She has inspired a new generation of fighters from Puerto Rico, Latin America, and around the world.
Her battles inside the ring have paralleled larger fights for gender equality, athlete compensation, and Latina representation in sports media. She frequently visits schools and youth boxing programs, reminding young girls that they too can be champions.
Awards and Recognition
Amanda Serrano’s accolades include:
- 2021 ESPY Nominee – Best Female Boxer
- WBO Female Boxer of the Year – Multiple years
- Ring Magazine Women’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings – Top 3 consistently
- Guinness World Record Holder – Most boxing world championships won in different weight classes by a female
She has also been featured in Netflix documentaries, sports magazines, and global news networks, further cementing her status as a sports icon.
Future Outlook
As of 2025, Amanda Serrano shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to fight at a high level in boxing, with potential rematches, MMA bouts, and even a future in professional wrestling all on the table. Her versatility makes her future unpredictable—but always compelling.
There’s talk of another clash with Katie Taylor or a super-fight with Claressa Shields, should weight and terms align. Serrano has also hinted at fighting in Puerto Rico again, where she remains a national hero.
Conclusion
Amanda Serrano is not just a fighter—she is a revolution. Her journey from a Brooklyn gym to becoming one of the greatest combat sports athletes in history is a testament to hard work, self-belief, and an unbreakable will. She has shattered glass ceilings, redefined what’s possible, and left an indelible mark on every sport she’s touched.
As women’s boxing continues to grow in popularity and respect, it will do so walking in the footsteps of pioneers like Amanda Serrano. The “Real Deal” isn’t just her nickname—it’s her legacy.
