Retiring Serrano wants to end as a 'game-changer'

Amanda Serrano said she wants to be remembered as a "game-changer" as she prepares for her farewell fight on home soil next year.

Puerto Rico's seven-division world champion will defend her unified WBO and WBA featherweight titles against Australia's Skye Falzon in San Juan on 9 January.

Serrano, who holds a 50-4-1 record with 32 knockouts, previously announced she will retire after the bout, which has been dubbed "The Last Walk" by promoters.

"I want people to remember me as a game-changer," Serrano said at a news conference.

"I gave it my all in the ring. Every time I fought, every time I trained, I just left everything in the ring, and I hope that you guys see that."

Serrano is chasing the women's knockout record, which she jointly shares with American Christy Martin.

While Serrano suggested the record would be the "cherry on top", she also wants to make the most of her final appearance in the ring.

"I made sure that I went back to the 12 three-minute rounds because I want to enjoy every second, every minute of my last fight in there," the 38-year-old said.

"I'm going to go out there and give it my all. If the knockout comes, it comes."

Falzon, also 38, who holds a 12-2 record with seven knockouts, said it was a dream come true to get the chance to fight Serrano.

"I actually cried about it," said Falzon. "The opportunity is something I'm going to grab hold of and I just can't wait.

"I'm not here just to take part in Amanda's history, I'm here to try to write my own. I wouldn't be a fighter if I didn't believe I could win."

Serrano welcomed the confidence from the Australian, saying: "I wouldn't like if any of my opponents would come thinking they're going to come to lose. I love to fight the best out there."

Serrano is the first and only Puerto Rican boxer, male or female, to become undisputed world champion, and in 2022 she and Ireland's Katie Taylor became the first female boxers to headline New York's Madison Square Garden.

She also defeated Brazil's Danila Ramos in 2023 in the first-ever women's unified world championship contested over 12 three-minute rounds, which is equal to a men's championship fight.

Serrano said her decision to retire was simply down to time and she always knew she would hang up her gloves in Puerto Rico.

"You guys [have] been with me from the very beginning, supporting me, loving me, and I've been fighting for you guys," added Serrano, who was born in Carolina on the island.

"I bring my flag with me, it's in my heart. I'm always with you, and I fight for you. I just want you guys to celebrate my long journey, and it's going to be a great night."