“I Have Never Done It, I Will Never Do It”: Amanda Serrano Refuses to Break 16-Year-Old Tradition for Skye Nicolson
Amanda Serrano, an icon in women’s boxing, is once again in the spotlight, but this time for her firm stance on tradition rather than her prowess in the ring. The IBF, WBO, and WBA super featherweight champion recently refused a callout from rising Australian star Skye Nicolson, citing her long-standing personal policy against engaging in public callouts.
Serrano’s Unyielding Tradition
In a candid interview on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Serrano addressed the growing clamor for her to face Nicolson. “16 years in this game, I have never done it, I will never do it. I don’t do callouts,” Serrano asserted, standing firm on her principle. She emphasized that her coach, Jordan Maldonado, dictates her fights, not public pressure or challenges from other fighters.
The Callout That Stirred the Pot
Nicolson, after winning the WBC title by outpointing Sarah Mahfoud in April, has been vocal about her desire to fight Serrano. Nicolson’s ambition is clear: to unify the super featherweight division. However, Serrano’s decision to vacate the WBC title last December, due to the organization’s refusal to sanction her preferred twelve/two minute round fights, has complicated this prospect.
Serrano’s Upcoming Fight and Focus
As Serrano prepares for her bout against Stevie Morgan on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry in Tampa, Florida, on July 20th, she remains unbothered by Nicolson’s public challenges. “I am super excited for July 20th for the fight in Tampa,” she said, shifting the conversation away from Nicolson and back to her immediate focus.
Nicolson’s Frustration
Nicolson, however, is not backing down. In an interview with the BBC, she expressed her frustration with Serrano’s stance. “Of course it is frustrating, all the other females are fighting 10 two-minute rounds, and she’s just come out and said, ‘this is what I want to do and what I am doing,’” Nicolson remarked. She highlighted the inconsistency and disruption Serrano’s demands have caused within the division, pointing out that other sanctioning bodies have accommodated Serrano’s twelve/two minute rounds, unlike the WBC.
She immediately responded, saying, “16 years in this game, I have never done it, I will never do it. I don’t do callouts”.
The Impact on the Division
Nicolson’s frustrations are shared by many in the boxing community. Serrano’s refusal to adhere to the WBC’s standard has created a barrier to her becoming an undisputed champion. Nicolson argues that Serrano’s actions suggest she believes she is above the rules, further complicating the landscape of women’s boxing.
Serrano vehemently refused to take the fight. “Like I said before, Jordan Maldonado, my coach, he dictates who I fight when I fight”. Having said that, Serrano quickly diverted to her upcoming bout, stating, “I am super excited for July 20th for the fight in Tampa”.
Is Serrano Ducking Nicolson?
The ongoing debate raises a critical question: is Serrano avoiding Nicolson? To some, her steadfast adherence to her tradition and demands might seem like a way to dodge a potentially challenging opponent. This perception is only intensified by Serrano’s insistence on fighting twelve/two minute rounds, a format that the WBC does not sanction.
Nicolson told BBC, “Of course it is frustrating, all the other females are fighting 10 two-minute rounds, and she’s just come out and said, ‘this is what I want to do and what I am doing’”.
A Question of Equality and Legacy
Serrano has often stated that her goal is to demonstrate that women are as capable as men in the ring, which is why she prefers the twelve/two minute rounds. However, Nicolson and others question whether this stance is genuine or simply a convenient excuse to avoid certain fights. Nicolson, who has no issue with the twelve/two minute format, finds herself in a position where the path to unification is blocked not by her capabilities, but by administrative and ideological barriers.
Amanda Serrano’s career has been marked by excellence and a commitment to her principles. Yet, her refusal to engage with Skye Nicolson under the WBC’s terms casts a shadow over her intentions. As she prepares for her upcoming fight, the boxing world watches closely, eager to see if Serrano will ever step into the ring with Nicolson or if her tradition will continue to stand in the way of what could be a defining matchup in women’s boxing.
