Hardy-Serrano superfight highlights Sept. 13 Matchroom NYC show

On a Matchroom Boxing card that features Devin Haney v. Zaur Abullaev for the WBC World Lightweight Title, a huge match for women’s boxing has been announced. Heather Hardy will defend her WBO World Featherweight Championship against seven-division champion Amanda Serrano. The fight will take place on September 13 inside Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater.

Nothing but RESPECT from me to @HeatherHardyBox. Unlike others I will not SELL or PROMOTE this fight talking down to her. She’s an amazing Mom & Tuff as Hell Fighter. We both deserve to get paid well & im glad we will do it together. Thanks @loudibella @DAZN_USA @EddieHearn 😉🧡 https://t.co/38GC2ltBRd

— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) August 6, 2019

This is a true superfight for boxing fans craving for competitive female bouts. Both Brooklyn natives are considered the top fighters within the boxing scene. It is Hardy’s (22-0, 1NC boxing, 2-2 MMA) first boxing fight since beating Shelly Vincent back in October for the WBO Featherweight Title. After losing to Taylor Turner via TKO at Bellator 222 in June, “The Heat” decided it was time to leave MMA for a while and focus more on her first love.

“It will be my first time competing as an underdog even as the current world champion but I’m excited as hell,” Hardy stated in a press release. “Everyone knows I have the balls for it. I grew up with a tough mamma, trust me – nobody scares me.”

A multiple-time featherweight champion, Hardy has been fighting hard for women’s equality in combat sports. The same could be said for her opponent. Serrano (36-1-1 boxing, 2-0 MMA) is a seven-division champion, recently beating Eva Voraberger to win the WBO World Super-Flyweight Title back in January. With that win, she ranks second all-time as a multi-weight champion, behind Manny Pacquiao.

Serrano, just like Hardy has been all over the combat sports circuit. She’s trained for MMA, boxing and pro wrestling this year, which could scare off any opponent. “The Real Deal” knows what is at stake for her and appreciates Hardy taking her on.

“So many of the other champions vacated their belts to avoid fighting me but Heather is a true world champion who will not give up her belt,” Serrano went on to say. “We know each other well and I’m honored to fight her for her World title. It’s nothing personal, just business for two girls from Brooklyn in the ring.”

With a win, Serrano can be one step closer to the Katie Taylor fight that has been rumored for the past year+. Taylor is coming off of a controversial win against Delfine Persoon back in June. A Hardy win, while not impossible, who spice things up within women’s boxing. Hardy knows the deal when it comes to coverage. However, she is not letting that stop her from preparing for the fight.

“We found out in February that as a super-champion Amanda could call out any champion in any weight division and she would be the next defense — and she chose me,” Hardy continued. “I didn’t get this far in the boxing game to not know how it works, they’re hyping up a big fight between her and Katie Taylor and this is the second of Amanda’s three-fight deal.”

2019 has been a great year for competitive female fights. Adding Hardy v. Serrano into the mix could result in a classic between two trailblazers.

Another fight on the card will feature Michael Hunter facing Sergey Kuzmin for the WBA Intercontinental Title. Ticket information will be available within the next few days.