“I had Manzur leading for the first half of the fight as that overhand right was finding its target,” Jake posted on X. “But you figured it out and started controlling the fight on your terms…body shots, mid-range, reading what the young challenger was giving you. If that fight was 10 rounds, a different outcome, but the championship rounds made the difference.”
That was a revealing admission from Serrano’s promoter. Manzur’s aggression, right hand, and willingness to remain in punching range gave Serrano trouble through much of the contest. The champion eventually created separation with her body attack and higher output during the later rounds.
Unlike the standard 10-round limit for women’s title fights, Serrano and Manzur competed over 12 two-minute rounds. The format gave Serrano six more minutes to recover from her slow start and strengthen her position on the scorecards.
Serrano has spent years pushing for women to receive the same 12 three-minute rounds used in men’s championship fights. Friday’s contest retained two-minute rounds, but the longer fight still worked in her favor and helped her overcome Manzur’s early success.
Paul also left Serrano’s future open after praising the influence she has had on women’s boxing during her 17-year career.
“You have used it every step of the way to lift others and push women’s boxing,” he said. “The most impactful in many ways. Whatever you decide to do next, I am in your corner.”
That closing message sounded less like the immediate promotion of another fight and more like Paul giving Serrano control over the next decision. At 37, she has won titles across seven weight divisions, completed three fights with Katie Taylor, and now reached 50 professional victories.
Serrano can continue defending her featherweight belts, but Manzur showed that those assignments are no longer routine. Paul’s comments also showed how close MVP believed its biggest star came to losing her milestone fight.
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