TAMPA, Fla. — Amanda Serrano knows what lies ahead in 2022 if she takes care of business against Miriam Gonzalez on Saturday in the co-main event of Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley 2.
If Serrano handles Gonzalez, a megafight with undisputed women's lightweight champion Katie Taylor is likely on the horizon in the first half of 2022. Taylor handled her business last Saturday with a unanimous decision win over a game Firuza Sharipova. Serrano came away impressed by Taylor's performance and can't wait to get inside the ring with her if she gets past Gonzalez.
"It’s Katie Taylor. She’s one of the best," Serrano told DAZN News. "She showed her skills, her speed, and I’m just excited to share the ring with her next year if everything goes well Saturday night and we have a megafight."
Every fighter handles pressure differently when the stakes are high. Some buckle when the lights shine the brightest, while others thrive under the intense heat. Understanding what the Gonzalez fight means gives Serrano no added pressure despite what’s likely to be next.
"I think every fight has a lot of questions," Serrano said. But I’m focusing on Miriam. I know Katie Taylor is in the future, but you can’t oversee your next opponent. Miriam is a tough girl, bigger, and I’m coming back to this weight class. It’s been years since I’ve been here. I know she’s a durable fighter, so I can’t overlook Miriam."
The boxing world saw what happened with Teofimo Lopez when he fought George Kambosos Jr. nearly three weeks ago. Significant fights were looming for Lopez. Instead, Kambosos shook up the apple cart and pulled off the massive upset. As a result, the former seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight titlist looks at things differently to ensure that she never looks ahead and focuses on the task at hand.
"(Laughs) I work hard and train as if I’m the opponent every single fight," Serrano candidly said. "I never train as if I’m the champion. I think that’s what pushed me to another level. It’s a matter of becoming a champion and staying a champion. I’m always in the gym. I’m always being humbled by my team, my trainer. They always make sure I’m staying on the right path. I never overlook any female. Us women, we’re tough."
Serrano (41-1-1, 30 KOs) returns to 135 pounds for the first time in a long time. However, she and Taylor have a familiar opponent in Gonzalez. Taylor beat Gonzalez via unanimous decision in November 2020. Now, Serrano will have the opportunity to face Gonzalez and perhaps do what Taylor could not do, and that's win inside the distance.
“I have to do more than win," Serrano admits. "I have to showcase that I belong in there with Miram. (Hopefully) I have the same outcome but maybe in a different fashion. But I just have to have a good showing."