Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano decided to not only stay lively but also engage in threatening fights.
The two will headline the rescheduled November 15 Netflix card at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. They will previously perform a similar role during the DAZN Pay-Per-View event taking place on July 20 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has confirmed that Paul (9-1, 6 knockouts) will face “Platinum” Mike Perry at the July 20 event. Perry is undefeated in the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (5-0, 3 KOs in BKFC) and is a former MMA star. This will be his first boxing match since 2015.
Their fight presented at CELSIUS® will take place in eight scheduled rounds in the cruiserweight division.
Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KO) will maintain his linear and unified featherweight reign into his next fight. The record seven-division champion will face Stevie Morgan (14-1, 13 KO) in a 10-round junior welterweight fight.
LIVE FIT, BE READY
Jake Paul (left) knocks out Ryan Bourland in the first round of their Celsius-sponsored fight, which will take place on March 2 on DAZN at the eminent Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan. Photo credit: Alex Subers/CELSIUS
The decision to stay at a higher weight should ensure a smoother transition for Serrano heading into his next outing, assuming he wins. Legendary southpaw Boricua will face a rematch with two-division and undisputed 140-pound queen Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KO). Their fight was moved to the November 15 event alongside Paul-Tyson; Irishman Taylor decided to rest this summer and go straight into the rematch with Serrano.
Both Paul and Serrano love fighting – and have a platform to – fight as often as possible.
“When the Paul vs. Tyson, I knew right away that I wanted to still fight on Saturday, July 20,” Paul explained. “Now, as I prepare to fight Iron Mike, there is no better opponent for me than Mike Perry. He is a proven knockout artist who has proven to be a maniac in and out of the ring. This is the perfect experience for me to gain before the fight with Mike Tyson. However, gaining such experience involves risk.
“Those who know me know I take risks and while Platinum Perry may try to end me, I am Titan Jake Paul and I’m not afraid of anyone. I’m going to get the W and give everyone a taste of what I bring to the ring against Mike Tyson. Tune in to DAZN PPV when I get back to Tampa and send “Platinum” Perry the Platypus back to bare knuckles for good.”
Of course, his opponent has other ideas.
“Jake Paul says he’s not afraid of anyone,” Perry asks. “But on Saturday, July 20, the world will see the truth. He just made the worst mistake of his life, trying to get through me before Iron Mike. On Saturday, July 20, I’ll make it look effortless and teach Jake Paul everything he’s learned about fighting.”
THE BIGGEST RETURNS ON THE BOXING CHARTS
Paul – currently based in Dorado, Puerto Rico – last fought on March 2 in San Juan. On an evening reserved for a great homecoming, Serrano knocked out Ryan Bourland (18-3, 6 KO) in the first round.
The main event was canceled minutes before the scheduled opening bell. Serrano was scheduled to defend her 126-pound crown against Nina Meinke, but her cornea was exposed to hair care chemicals. A last-ditch attempt to obtain medical leave proved futile, causing Serrano to tearfully apologize to her adoring fans.
Bad luck beyond her control resulted in the second consecutive fight date being canceled. Like Paul, the desire to fight far outweighed the thought of returning to the ring only in November.
“I was already preparing to fight on Saturday, July 20,” Serrano noted. “This is a chance for me to face another tough boxer in Stevie Morgan. My opponent has 13 KOs, more than almost every other lively boxer.
“But I’m not afraid of any woman – I support the war. I can’t wait to see all my Puerto Rican fans in Tampa for my 50th professional fight to show the world my super lightweight skills.
February 4, 2023; Novel York, NY, USA; Amanda Serrano celebrates her victory over Erika Cruz for the undisputed featherweight world title after their fight at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in Novel York City. Mandatory Credits: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Serrano’s only other fight at the weight gave her her seventh title reign in the division. She soared well above her walk-around weight, passing Yamila Reynoso (then 11-4-3) to win the WBO 140-pound title.
The move is reminiscent of Serrano’s two-division weight jump in her last match at AMALIE Arena. She moved up to the lightweight category, where in December 2021 she fought and outclassed Miriam Gutierrez within ten rounds. The fight was the main support in Paul’s rematch with Tyron Woodley, whom he knocked out in the sixth round.
One fight later, Serrano came close to defeating Taylor via split decision. Their April 2022 undisputed lightweight champion remains the gold standard of superfights in women’s boxing.
Serrano returned to featherweight, where she fully unified the division over the course of her next two fights. She last defended her featherweight championship in a twelve-round decision defeating Danila Ramos (12-3, 1 KO) on October 27 in Orlando, Florida.
Serrano will now not only adjust to her opponent’s weight, but will also go to her hometown.
Tampa’s Morgan (14-1, 13 KO) has fought mostly in Colombia, with the exception of two in Memphis. This will be her first fight at home and a huge leap in the level of competition.
“We trained to prepare for an opportunity like this,” Morgan insisted. “I want to show my utmost respect to Amanda for everything she has accomplished in her career and for women’s boxing. “But in this sport, to make a name for yourself, you have to make a name for yourself
“I have 13 KOs and nothing will be sweeter than making Amanda Serrano number 14.”
UNDERCARD PROVIDES REMATCH ALL OVER FLORIDA
MVP also revealed one fight confirmed for the undercard.
Undefeated Florida prospects Tony Aguilar and Corey Marksman will return to form just five months after a thrilling lightweight stalemate on February 2 in Orlando. The two fought to a gripping six-round split decision draw, promising that their next fight would be an eight-rounder.
Aguilar (12-0-1, 4 KO), a 25-year-old resident of Crescent City, Florida, became the main character of MVP. This will be his fourth in a row in nine months.
In the spirit of proactivity, Aguilar entered another rematch when a second shooting bout was not immediately available. On April 26, six months after winning a split decision on the Serrano-Ramos undercard, he outpointed Alexander Rios over eight rounds.
Sharpshooter Orlando (9-0-1, 7 KO) was not available at the time, but he already appeared in the ring. On June 8, in his hometown, the 23-year-old knocked out journeyman Jonathan Perez in the first round.
“The stakes are high for each of the MVP fighters entering the ring,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “The pressure is mounting for Jake and Amanda to come out with the W against two very threatening opponents in Mike Perry and Stevie Morgan.
“Jake Paul faces a monster in Mike Perry. Amanda Serrano will face a competitor who has 13 KOs in 15 fights. For our two superstars, nothing is given once and for all. We also have an incredible lineup of undercard fights, the first of which features extremely talented lightweight prospects Aguilar vs. Marksman. In this fight, these juvenile talents will put their undefeated records on the line and work to set a up-to-date precedent for potential title challengers in the sport.
“We are excited to return to Tampa and host another night of heart-pounding fights.”
