- Amanda Serrano was deemed medically unfit after suffering an eye injury on Friday
- Her home crowd booed the emotional fighter as she addressed them in the ring
- provides the latest international sports news
Amanda Serrano broke down in tears in the ring when it was announced that her main event against Nina Meinke on Saturday night had been canceled, just minutes before it was due to take place.
Serrano was deemed medically unfit to compete by the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission after suffering an eye injury on Friday.
Promoter and Jake Paul's company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that the fight was canceled approximately 30 minutes before Serrano was scheduled to enter the ring.
“Amanda Serrano has unfortunately been declared medically unfit to fight this evening by the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission due to an eye injury she sustained yesterday,” MVP said in a statement.
“She is devastated that she cannot perform in front of her hometown fans, but although she wanted to go out and put on a show, the commission said there was no way she could fight in the current condition of her eye.”
Amanda Serrano broke down in tears when it was announced her main event was canceled
Jake Paul announced that the Puerto Rican fighter has been deemed medically unfit to fight
The announcement came just minutes before Serrano was scheduled to face Nina Meinke (right).
“This decision equally affects Nina Meinke and MVP will pay her fight budget in full.” MVP and Amanda would like to apologize to everyone in attendance and the company will provide a full refund to everyone who requests it. Details on the ticket refund process follow.
“Amanda is proud of the way her fellow MVPs competed tonight, appreciates the love and support of her fans, and hopes to return to the ring soon.”
The event was supposed to be Serrano's homecoming and it was the first time she fought in her native Puerto Rico since becoming undisputed featherweight champion of the world.
But the home crowd booed the emotional fighter when she addressed them in the ring after the announcement.
“I wanted to fight in front of my people,” Serrano said, apologizing and adding that she would one day fight her retirement fight in Puerto Rico.
She later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to further apologize to her fans and her opponent.
Serrano was visibly moved as she apologized to her home audience on Saturday evening
She later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to further apologize to her fans and opponents
“This to all my wonderful fans, my island, my fellow fighters who have sent me well wishes. “It is with a broken heart that I want to say I am so sorry,” she wrote. “Anyone who knows me knows that I am a warrior and I would never agree to cancel a fight.” I would have fought without an eye or an arm.
“To my opponent @ninathebrave, you are an incredibly respectful fighter.” I thank you and promise you that we will fight and you will get your title shot. You deserve everything
“To my managers @jakepaul I love you with all my heart Nakisa, you too.” You are my lifeline and my savior, you have given me purpose
“With all my heart, Jordan, on your birthday I messed up the ball. I’m sorry and I love you more than life.”
Their promoter Jake Paul, who stopped Ryan Bourland in his second straight win against a professional boxer before Serrano was scheduled to face Meinke, suggested the problem arose 36 hours before the fight.
“Amanda came to fight and was sent to a harsh camp.” [but] “She failed some vision tests,” he said.
Paul stopped Ryan Bourland (right) in his second straight win against a professional boxer
“Your cornea is exposed, you can't risk losing your sight forever.” I know she's a warrior. “This happened at the very last minute.”
MVP announced during the event that anyone who paid for tickets would receive a full refund.
Meanwhile, WBO president Francisco Paco Valcarcel said Serrano would not be stripped of her title and Meinke would remain the mandatory challenger.
“I am completely devastated,” said Meinke. “We all wanted this fight – I wanted this fight.” Puerto Rico wanted this fight. “I really hope we can do this again.”