Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), the unified featherweight champ, is storming back to Puerto Rico for a showdown with IBF mandatory challenger Nina Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs). This clash of the titans is set to erupt on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, and it’s all going down live globally on DAZN. Sponsored by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, this rumble marks Serrano’s triumphant return to her homeland since she clinched the undisputed champion title. Expect a jam-packed house roaring for Puerto Rico’s first-ever undisputed world boxing champion, be it man or woman. Serrano is suiting up for her second bout at 12×3, the men’s championship standard, defending her galaxy of titles – the unified IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine featherweight world belts. In a bold move for women’s boxing, she recently ditched her WBC title, thumbing her nose at the sanctioning body’s stance on women’s choice for 12×3 rounds.
Co-headlining with Serrano is none other than Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (8-1, 5 KOs), who’s bulldozing his way towards the cruiserweight world championship. Fresh off his knockout party with professional boxer Andre August, Paul is all set to add more notches to his belt in his 10th pro bout. Also making waves is MVP’s newest recruit, the multi-faceted featherweight Javon “Wanna” Walton, who’s ready to strut his stuff in the ring. Joining the melee are Serrano’s first two Puerto Rican signees: Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs), the WBO junior flyweight world champ, ready to defend his title for the third time, and the rising star Krystal Rosado (2-0, 1 KO). Get your tickets fast – they drop on Wednesday, December 27th at 9:00am ET on Ticketera.com. And don’t miss the kickoff press conference on Thursday, January 18th in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, featuring all the star athletes.
Amanda Serrano, the trailblazing undisputed champ, kicked off her featherweight title reign by toppling Heather Hardy in a grueling 10-round bout in 2019 for the WBO belt and has been defending it like a fortress ever since. In August 2023, she gave Hardy a shot at redemption but held tight to her undisputed title with a clear-cut victory. Serrano’s battle with Erika Cruz in February 2023 was nothing short of a bloodbath, crowning her the undisputed featherweight champ. Her win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester added the IBF title to her collection. Serrano’s rumble with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden snagged the spotlight as Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year. Most recently, she made history in her 12×3 rounder against Danila Ramos, slinging a record 1103 punches.
“It’s like living a dream to headline at home at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico,” said Amanda Serrano. “Being the first-ever undisputed champion from Puerto Rico is an honor. I can’t wait to step into the ring at the Choliseo for 12, three-minute rounds. A massive thanks to IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, Ring Magazine, Most Valuable Promotions, my team, and Jake Paul for giving me a platform to showcase my skills. Being co-main with Jake is the cherry on top.”
Nina “The Brave” Meinke, hailing from Berlin, is pumped to face off against Serrano and aims to etch her name in the history books as the second woman to fight a 12-round unified championship. Meinke has been turning heads in Europe, recently snagging the WBA Gold World Featherweight title and the IBF Inter-Continental Featherweight title.
“My team and I have been itching for this fight,” said Nina Meinke. “I’m pumped, well-prepped, and set to be Germany’s first female boxer to go the 12-round distance. I’m stoked to be part of the movement for women’s boxing and equal rights. I’m all in to show the world our strength and make this an unforgettable bout!”
Jake Paul, fresh off his first-round KO of Andre August, is ready to dazzle again. “Fighting in Puerto Rico with Amanda Serrano is a dream,” said Paul. “I’m honored to co-main her homecoming. We’re bringing a historic event to Puerto Rico. With Wanna Walton making his debut and Bomba Gonzalez and Krystal Rosado rising to stardom, we’re in for an epic night. Puerto Rico, get ready!”
17-year-old phenom Wanna Walton, the youngest athlete to join Nike’s Jordan Brand, is set to make his global debut. A seasoned boxer and acclaimed actor, he’s ready to light up the ring under his father and coach, DJ Walton’s, guidance.
“I’ve been training my whole life for this,” said Wanna Walton. “Debuting with MVP athletes Amanda Serrano and Jake Paul in Puerto Rico is a dream come true. I’m ready to start my journey to greatness.”
Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez and Krystal Rosado, two local Puerto Rican stars, will also be featured in the Serrano vs. Meinke card. Gonzalez, the WBO junior flyweight champion, and Rosado, the super flyweight sensation, are set to wow the crowd with their skills.
“Fighting alongside Amanda Serrano is a career highlight,” said Bomba Gonzalez. “And defending my title in Puerto Rico is huge.”
“I’m thrilled to fight with my manager, the queen of PR boxing, Amanda Serrano, and on a card with Jake Paul,” said Krystal Rosado. “Fighting in the Choliseo is a dream come true. Thanks to God, Amanda, and MVP.”
“It’s an honor to work with Amanda on her historic return,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “This will be the most-watched Puerto Rican boxing event ever, featuring some of the sport’s most exciting talents.”
“We’re stoked to broadcast this unmissable double-header on DAZN,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “With Amanda Serrano and Jake Paul, we’re showcasing the best in boxing.”