Serrano and Cruz Headline a Blockbuster Night in New York
Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Showdown for Featherweight Supremacy
Amanda Serrano is set to battle Erika Cruz in a historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico clash for the Undisputed World Featherweight Championship. Alycia Baumgardner will also fight for glory, taking on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight crown. The much-anticipated bouts will be held at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, February 4, live on DAZN.
Amanda Serrano Eyes History
Seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano (43-2-1, 30 KOs) is on the cusp of making history as the first Puerto Rican-born fighter to become an undisputed world champion. Serrano has dominated the featherweight division since 2019 and now has her sights on completing the puzzle by claiming the WBA title from Erika Cruz (15-1, 3 KOs). Serrano’s last outing saw her defeat Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, adding the IBF title to her collection.
“This is a pivotal moment for me and Puerto Rico,” Serrano said. “Becoming the first undisputed champion from my island would be monumental. I urge all my fans to come out and witness history.”
Erika Cruz, known as ‘Dinamita,’ brings her own fire to the ring. The Mexican fighter seized the WBA title in April 2021, ending Jelena Mrdjenovich’s long reign, and has since successfully defended her belt twice. Cruz aims to derail Serrano’s dream and make her own mark on history.
“I’ve fought hard to get here,” said Cruz. “I’m ready to give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds.”
Baumgardner vs. Mekhaled: Super-Featherweight Supremacy
Alycia Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs) comes into 2023 after a stellar 2022 campaign, where she unified the 130lb division by defeating arch-rival Mikaela Mayer in London. Like Serrano, Baumgardner is just one belt away from undisputed status, needing the WBA title, which is vacant. Her opponent, Elhem Mekhaled (15-1, 3 KOs), is a skilled French fighter eager to claim her spot at the top.
“Finally, I get to prove that I am the best in this division,” Baumgardner stated. “Mekhaled is skilled, but no one in this division can stand toe-to-toe with me.”
Mekhaled, determined to make her mark, expressed confidence: “This is my time to shine. God knows how much I’ve worked for this moment.”
Richardson Hitchins vs. John Bauza: Rising Stars Collide
Brooklyn native Richardson Hitchins (15-0, 7 KOs) will defend his IBF North American title against New Jersey’s John Bauza (17-0, 7 KOs). This fight marks Hitchins’ return to his hometown, where he hopes to continue his undefeated streak. Bauza, equally unbeaten, seeks to spoil the party in his first title bout.
“I’m going to show the world that I’m a problem at 140 lbs,” Hitchins proclaimed. Bauza, however, is confident in his abilities: “This is my moment. Richardson will quickly realize he’s not on my level.”
Additional Title Fights and Rising Stars
The card also includes a number of other thrilling matchups. Reshat Mati will challenge Cletus Seldin for the WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title, while Australian star Skye Nicolson will face Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title. Ramla Ali will take on Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight title.
Skye Nicolson (5-0) hopes to add a second belt to her collection, while Alvarez (7-0, 1 KO) aims to secure her first major title. Ramla Ali (7-0, 2 KOs) and Avril Mathie (8-0-1, 3 KOs) are also unbeaten and ready to step into the spotlight.
A Promoter’s Dream
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn couldn’t be more excited for the night ahead. “Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and Amanda and Erika will be no exception. Alycia was one of 2022’s standout fighters, and now she has the undisputed fight she’s been waiting for. February 4 is set to be a huge night in New York.”
Fans worldwide can witness the action live on DAZN as the 2023 boxing season kicks off with a bang at Madison Square Garden.
