Serrano Looks to Make History in Temecula
Southern California and Las Vegas are connected by more than just the Interstate-215. Boxing has always been a lure to both regions.
Amanda Serrano arrives in So Cal with Most Valuable Promotions to perform on Friday; then the next day, on Saturday, a couple of welterweights clash for the world title 400 miles east in Las Vegas.
For the first time in her career, Serrano (49-4-1, 32 KOs) showcases a boxing card in Southern California when she fights Lucrecia Manzur (14-4, 7 KOs) for the WBO, WBA and Ring featherweight titles at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif. Tik Tok Live will stream the loaded MVP card.
Serrano is deadlocked with Christy Martin for the most career knockout wins at 32. One more knockout win gives Serrano yet another boxing record. She already holds the most weight division world titles with seven.
“I have the opportunity to make history for my island, break the all-time women’s knockout record, and defend my world titles. This will be a night to remember for Temecula and boxing fans around the world,” said Serrano.
Manzur fights out of Argentina and has experience against many of the toughest female fighters from that country, including a win over legendary Marcela Acuna. She is ready for battle.
“Ever since I started boxing, I’ve dreamed of fighting for a world title, and now I have the chance to do it against one of the sport’s true icons and someone I’ve always admired—Amanda Serrano,” said Manzur. “I have tremendous respect for everything Amanda has accomplished and for the legacy she has built. But once we step into the ring, my focus is on winning.”
Another pivotal battle pits Mexico’s wrecking machine Mayeli Flores (13-2-1) against Denmark’s undefeated Melissa Mortensen (9-0) for the WBA super bantamweight title. It’s going to be an interesting matchup.
Almost a dozen bouts are planned for the MVP event that begins at 3 p.m. PT. Tik Tok Live will stream the event. It’s the first time the social media giant enters the boxing arena. Once again, MVP has brought a new audience to women’s pro boxing.
“From day one, MVP has challenged the traditional boxing model by creating the biggest moments and opportunities for fighters while finding new ways to bring the sport to fans around the world,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions.
Las Vegas
Two world title fights headline a Las Vegas fight card topped by WBA welterweight titlist Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) defending against multi-champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) on Saturday Aug. 22, at T-Mobile Arena. The TGB and Takeover Promotions card will be streamed by DAZN and Amazon Prime pay-per-views.
Romero has been idle after defeating Ryan Garcia for the title back in May 2025.
“It’s been a hard time trying to make a fight, but we know that Teofimo is gonna fight anyone. So, I’m thankful that he stepped up to the plate,” said Romero.
Meanwhile, Lopez lost the WBO super lightweight title in a showdown against Shakur Stevenson back in January. He recently signed a deal with DAZN and seeks to fight marketable fights only. First up, is Rolly.
“I’m trying to make the best fights we can make. Signing with DAZN was a no-brainer. They started with ‘The Takeover’, said Lopez. “I’m fighting a big puncher at 147 and going up to that weight for the first time. We’re taking a risk, because it’s no risk, no reward.”
Currently the welterweight division has been one of the most popular to follow with fans and includes WBC titlist Ryan Garcia fighting Conor Benn in early September and other titlists Devin Haney and Richardson Hitchins.
The winner between Romero and Lopez could be an igniter for future super fights.
“We know each other enough to know what triggers us. We know secrets possibly that people don’t know. This is going be a big fight for the next era of boxing,” said Lopez.
In a super bantamweight fight, Dominican Victor Santillan (16-2, 7 KOs) meets Gary Antonio Russell (21-1, 13 KOs) for the interim WBA super bantamweight title. The actual title is held by Japan’s Naoya Inoue who is the undisputed super bantamweight champion.
Butterfly Brawl at Santa Monica Pier
Super featherweights Jalan Walker (16-1-1) and Alexander Espinoza (24-9-3) headline a Bash Boxing card called the “Butterfly Brawl” at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif. It’s a popular event that takes place on the actual historic pier on Saturday Aug. 22. The event can be seen on www.bashboxing.com
All proceeds go to Teen Cancer America.
Steve Bash, the promoter and head of Bash Boxing, has been promoting boxing and MMA events for more than 20 years including Ryan Garcia, Fedor Emilenanko and many others. He also managed female fighters like Elena “Baby Doll” Reid.
The event begins at 2 p.m. For tickets go to https://events.ticketsexpress.net/e/butterfly-brawl0822/tickets.
Fights to Watch (all times Pacific)
Fri. Tik Tok Live 6 p.m. Amanda Serrano (49-4-1) vs Lucrecia Manzur (14-4).
Sat. Amazon Prime, DAZN ppv 5 p.m. Rolly Romero (17-2) vs Teofimo Lopez (22-2).
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