Serrano Faces Tellez After Cruz Test Shock
The boxing world was stunned recently when news broke regarding the highly anticipated January 3 rematch. Amanda Serrano is closing in on a different opponent after reports surfaced that Erika Cruz failed a critical pre-fight screening. Consequently, the card in San Juan has shifted dramatically. Watch an news segment with Felipe Leon “Here“!
Cruz Out After VADA Findings
According to El Vocero, a leading outlet in Puerto Rico, Serrano’s team made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Cruz fight. This move came after Cruz returned an “atypical finding” for clenbuterol during a VADA test. While an atypical result usually requires further analysis to confirm prohibited substances, the timing made it impossible to proceed safely.
Moreover, this isn’t the first controversy for Cruz. She reportedly failed a doping test for steroids in May 2024, costing her the WBA super bantamweight title. Jordan Maldonado, Serrano’s manager, refused to take the risk. He noted that while Cruz’s team claims food contamination, there is simply no time to investigate the meat she ate. Therefore, the team exercised their discretion to cancel the bout immediately.
Enter Reina Tellez
However, the show in Puerto Rico will go on. Instead of facing Cruz, Amanda Serrano will meet with Reina Tellez. The bout is still scheduled for January 3 at the iconic Roberto Clemente Coliseum. Fans are eager to see if this last-minute replacement can deliver the excitement promised by the original card.
A More Dangerous Fight?
Maldonado believes this change might actually be a blessing in disguise. He describes Tellez as younger and technically superior to Cruz.
“It’s a more dangerous fight,” Maldonado insisted. “There is a silver lining. I want to see a woman who will come out to fight and try to beat Amanda, not just survive.”
Ultimately, the goal remains the same: to give the fans a spectacle. Maldonado wants a war in the ring, ensuring Puerto Rico sees Amanda Serrano giving her absolute all in every single round.
