Mexico’s Litzy Vázquez Ochoa claimed the World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Super Lightweight Championship this past weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Vázquez Ochoa secured her title victory over Argentina’s Edith Soledad Matthysse on July 10, while Tapia extended her flawless professional run against Spain’s Alba Sanchez the following day, July 11, at the Coliseo Pedrín Zorrilla. Both fighters delivered compelling performances, thrilling a packed hometown crowd and solidifying their positions within the sport.
Litzy Vázquez Ochoa claims interim WBA super lightweight crown
Vázquez Ochoa’s win, though contested by some, marks a major milestone in her career, bringing an interim world title back to Mexico and Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, Tapia’s victory not only bolstered her 10-0 record but also ignited speculation about a potential future mega-fight with unified featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano.
The events highlighted the growing prominence of women’s boxing and the vibrant talent emerging from the Caribbean boxing scene.
Litzy Vázquez Ochoa, aged 24, dethroned veteran Edith Soledad Matthysse, 45, in a hard-fought ten-round contest at the Coliseo Pedrín Zorrilla. The Mexican challenger emerged victorious via a majority decision to claim the WBA Interim Super Lightweight Championship. Two judges scored the bout 98-92 in favor of Vázquez Ochoa, while a third inexplicably saw it as a 95-95 draw.
This outcome generated some controversy, with many observers noting the fight’s perceived parity despite the wide scores from two judges. Matthysse, known as “La Itaka,” was making her defense of the interim WBA lightweight title she had previously won against Samantha Worthington. Vázquez Ochoa expressed immense joy post-fight, stating it was a lifelong dream realized and dedicating the win to both Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The decisive, if disputed, victory positions Vázquez Ochoa firmly in the super lightweight division. She now holds a valuable piece of silverware and joins an elite group of champions. Her youth and aggressive style suggest she’ll be a formidable presence in future title defenses and unification bouts.
Kiria Tapia extends unbeaten run, eyes future Serrano clash
Puerto Rican prospect Kiria Tapia captivated her home crowd on July 11, improving her pristine professional record to 10-0 with a dominant unanimous decision over Spain’s Alba “Panterita” Sanchez. Fighting in an eight-round featherweight special feature bout, Tapia showcased her skill and power, earning identical 80-72 scorecards from all three judges.
The San Juan native, coached by the legendary Ivan Calderon, controlled the action from start to finish. Tapia admitted she was actively seeking a knockout throughout the fight. While it didn’t materialize against a durable opponent, she was content to bank the rounds and secure a clear victory. This extends her unbeaten streak since her professional debut in January 2023.
In her post-fight comments, Kiria Tapia delivered a statement that immediately set the boxing world buzzing. She openly welcomed a future fight with fellow Puerto Rican and undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano. “I’m very supportive of Amanda Serrano and everything she’s done for women’s boxing,” Tapia said. “Maybe we’ll fight in the future.”
While a clash with Amanda Serrano remains a long-term aspiration rather than an immediate challenge, Tapia’s public declaration signals her ambition. It provides a clear target for the next phase of her burgeoning career, propelling her into discussions among the division’s elite. For many, this kind of call-out is a natural step for women’s boxing’s emerging prime talents.
Amanda Serrano: a benchmark for women’s boxing excellence
Amanda Serrano stands as one of boxing’s most decorated and influential figures, particularly in the women’s sport. The unified featherweight world champion has held the WBO title since 2019, the IBO title since 2021, and the WBA title since 2023. She achieved undisputed status at featherweight in the four-belt era in 2023, a first for any Puerto Rican boxer.
Serrano also holds a Guinness World Record for the most boxing world championships won in different weight classes by a female, boasting nine major world titles across an astonishing seven weight classes. Her unparalleled success and pioneering spirit have paved the way for a new generation of female fighters, including Kiria Tapia.
Currently, Amanda Serrano does not have a fight scheduled, but a list of potential future opponents frequently circulates. These include prominent names like Alycia Baumgardner, Skye Nicolson, Tiara Brown, Ellie Scotney, and Mikaela Mayer. Any bout involving Serrano draws massive attention, representing a significant payday and a career-defining moment for any challenger.
Tapia’s expressed interest in facing Serrano, while not a direct challenge, positions her among those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport. It reflects Serrano’s status as the ultimate test and a aspirational figure for many. The mention highlights Serrano’s ongoing impact on how top-tier women’s boxing operates.
San Juan’s flourishing fight scene and promotional partnerships
The “Queen of the Ring” card at the Coliseo Pedrín Zorrilla was more than just a stage for individual triumphs; it was a showcase for Puerto Rico’s thriving boxing ecosystem. The event drew a near-sellout crowd, underscoring the fervent local support for the sport. This strong turnout also signifies a successful launch for the partnership between Universal Promotions, Salita Promotions, and Wynn Records.
These promotional entities, led by figures like Javier Bustillo of Universal Promotion and Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions, have demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering local talent. Their collaboration aims to identify, sign, and develop both male and female boxing prospects from Puerto Rico, providing them with platforms like the “Queen of the Ring” series.
The event, streamed live on WynnRecordsNetwork.com, further amplified its reach, allowing a broader audience to witness the rising stars. Such partnerships are crucial for building sustainable careers for fighters and elevating the overall profile of boxing in the region. This combined effort creates a fertile ground for future champions to emerge and flourish.
The success of this card suggests a bright future for boxing events in San Juan. It not only provides local athletes with a home advantage but also brings international attention to the island as a boxing hotbed. Continued investment in promoting and broadcasting these events will undoubtedly keep the momentum going.
The road ahead for Vázquez Ochoa and Tapia
For Litzy Vázquez Ochoa, securing the WBA Interim Super Lightweight Championship is just the beginning. As an interim titleholder, she now stands in a strong position to challenge for the full WBA Super Lightweight title in the near future. This could involve facing the current full champion or participating in a championship unification bout against another interim titleholder.
Her next steps will be critical in consolidating her position and proving that the majority decision victory wasn’t a fluke. The demand for clear, undisputed champions means Vázquez Ochoa will likely face tough challenges ahead. Her team will need to strategically plan her next few fights to maximize her title aspirations and solidify her standing.
Kiria Tapia, with her unbeaten record now at 10-0, is on a steady ascent in the featherweight division. Her public aspiration to fight Amanda Serrano, while ambitious, is a clear sign of her confidence and long-term goals. To make that fight a reality, Tapia will need to continue racking up wins, ideally against increasingly tougher opposition, and secure more stoppages.
The path to fighting a legend like Serrano is often paved with mandatory defenses, eliminators, and high-profile bouts against other contenders. Tapia’s team will be looking to move her up the rankings to force a shot at one of Serrano’s numerous titles. Her consistent performances and increasing visibility make her an exciting prospect to watch in the coming months and years.
Both fighters represent the dynamic future of women’s boxing, showcasing talent, determination, and a willingness to challenge the best. Their recent performances in San Juan have undoubtedly added significant chapters to their respective stories and the broader narrative of the sport.
