Amanda Serrano appeared truly heartbroken as she cried while telling fans her fight was cancelled on Saturday night.
In bizarre circumstances, her WBA, IBF and WBO featherweight world title defence against Nina Meinke was called off at the last minute and fans were only told after the co-main event had taken place.
Serrano’s promoter Jake Paul (who represents her through his MVP promotional company) knocked out Ryan Bourland with ease in the penultimate fight of the night.
Then, after his post-fight interview, Serrano and Meinke entered the ring at the same time with no ring walk music, to the shock of the fans in attendance.
While Meinke was in full fighting attire, Serrano wasn’t and an official statement was then sent out to media from MVP.
The official statement read: “Amanda Serrano has unfortunately been declared medically unfit by the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission to fight tonight due to an eye injury she sustained yesterday.
“She is devastated that she won’t be able to perform in front of her hometown fans, but despite wanting to go out and put on a show.
“The commission said there is no way she can fight with her eye in its current condition. This decision equally affects Nina Meinke and MVP will be paying her fight purse in full.
“MVP and Amanda would like to apologize to everyone in attendance and the company will provide full refunds for all those seeking it. Details to follow on the ticket refund process.
“Amanda is proud of the way her fellow MVP teammates have competed tonight, she appreciates the love and support of her fans, and hopes to return to the ring soon.”
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Loud boos then rang out around the arena as the announcement was made, and some fans even continued to boo when Serrano began to speak.
“I came ready to fight, I came to show my fans and put on a great show for all you guys,” she said tearfully.
“But the doctor didn’t clear me because I got something my eye, it happened a couple of days ago when I had my hair done and the doctor didn’t clear me to fight.
“I wanted to fight in front of my people.”
At this point Serrano broke down in tears completely and the crowd understandably changed, beginning to cheer her.
Paul defended his charge and said: “Listen, I know there are people booing, but Amanda came to fight, put in a hard camp.
“The doctors wouldn’t let her move forward because of her eye, her cornea was exposed and she was failing some eye tests, she wasn’t able to fight.
“This happened super last-minute. The doctors wouldn’t allow it.
“You can’t risk losing your eye sight forever just for a fight.”
Paul added that they intend to reschedule the bout and Serrano continued: “I am so sorry, I came to fight, I came to put on a show for all you guys.
“I will be back and I will retire here. I will retire here for you guys.
“I give you guys everything, I put everything on the line for you guys.
“I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry guys.”
Asked how her eye is currently, Serrano concluded: “Not as bad as my heart hurting, but it’s still not good, I can barely see out of it…
“Tomorrow I have to go to the hospital and take tests, we’ll see from there.”
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