Sacrificing Her Standard Weight Class, Amanda Serrano Reveals Bigger Picture Behind Fighting Stevie Morgan at 140 lbs
When it comes to breaking barriers, Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano is unmatched. The boxing world still buzzes about her grueling 12-round bout with Danila Ramos last year, where she defied WBC’s concerns and paid the price by dropping from an undisputed to a unified champion. Now, she’s taking an even bolder step—moving up two weight classes to face Stevie Morgan in Morgan’s home crowd.
The July 20 showdown comes in the wake of her canceled fight with Nina Meinke and the rescheduled rematch with archrival Katie Taylor. Serrano and Morgan headline the main card event of Jake Paul and Mike Perry’s clash at Tampa’s Amalie Arena. Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor are set to settle their score on November 15. But first, the Puerto Rican champion will face the ‘Sledgehammer.’ Why would she risk it all against a relatively unknown fighter in a weight class she hasn’t fought in for six years?
Setting the Stage: The Next Chapter for Amanda Serrano
Ariel Helwani, the 2023 MMA Journalist of the Year, also seemed puzzled by Serrano’s choice. “Why fight at 140 pounds?” he asked. Serrano responded with conviction, “We’re working our way to the Katie Taylor fight. Staying in this weight class makes sense.”
Most fans know that the July 20 rematch with Katie Taylor was for Taylor’s undisputed light welterweight title. So, it made strategic sense for Serrano to stay in the same weight class, avoiding a return to her featherweight comfort zone.
“Because we want we working out way till the Katie Taylor fight, you know,” said ‘The Real Deal’.
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Preparing for the Unknown: Facing Stevie Morgan
Amanda Serrano is leaving no stone unturned in preparing for Morgan. “I’m not taking my eye off Stevie Morgan; she’s a great fighter, a big girl, heavy, and tall at 5’8,” Serrano stated. But what truly motivated Serrano to take this career-defining step?
“It’s about taking risks,” she added. “If I didn’t fight at this weight, I wouldn’t be able to test my endurance, power, and strength against Stevie Morgan.” Serrano emphasized that greatness demands perils and sacrifices.
Through her Instagram Story, Serrano shared that after all the preparation for the Katie Taylor fight, dropping weight made no sense. Fighting the ‘Sledgehammer’ presents the best opportunity to gauge her strength against an aggressive opponent who boasts a knockout rate of nearly 93%.
“I’m not taking my eye off of Stevie Morgan; she’s a a a great fighter; she’s a big girl um she weighs heavy; she’s tall; she’s 5’8,” she said.
It is fundamentally about taking risks. She added, “If I don’t, if I didn’t take a fight at at that weight, because now I get to test my my endurance test test the power test the weight in there with with Stevie Morgan.”
A Leap of Faith for ‘The Real Deal’
Fans were devastated when Serrano broke down in the ring after her Nina Meinke title defense was canceled on March 2 due to an eye injury. She was eager to fight in front of her home crowd, but the medical team advised against it.
However, her decision to move up two weight classes just months later speaks volumes about her heart. Stylistically, it promises an exciting viewing experience for fans. Despite losing to Katie Taylor, a technical perfectionist, on April 30, 2022, in a bout named Sports Illustrated’s ‘Fight of the Year,’ Serrano proved her mettle. Against Morgan, there’s no belt or pressure, allowing her to fight freely and adapt her style to counter Morgan’s vicious shots. This match could become a highlight of the Jake Paul-Mike Perry event.
The Path to Greatness
Amanda Serrano’s decision to fight Stevie Morgan at 140 lbs showcases her relentless pursuit of greatness. She is not just fighting an opponent; she is challenging her limits and preparing for future battles. This fight is not just about the present; it’s a strategic move for the future. Fans eagerly await July 20 to see how Serrano will perform in this high-stakes bout. Will this risk pay off? Only time will tell.
