The co-main event for the Nate Diaz-Jake Paul event is set, as Amanda Serrano will face Heather Hardy in August.
An exciting female boxing match is now official for August, as Amanda Serrano will meet Heather Hardy. Serrano’s undisputed featherweight title will be on the line when the two square off in Dallas on August 5.
The bout will serve as the co-main event to the planned Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul match. It was first reported and confirmed by ESPN.
Back in 2019, it was Serrano coming out on top over Hardy in a decision victory to win the WBO women’s featherweight title.
Serrano has reeled off back-to-back wins to defend her WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring titles with wins over Erika Cruz and Sarah Mahfoud since a loss to Katie Taylor.
“I am the undisputed featherweight champion today because Heather Hardy agreed to fight me in 2019 for her WBO title,” Serrano said. “That was the first step in my current run at featherweight. It’s only right that I give her the opportunity to earn it back. I’m excited to once again share the card with Jake and put on an exciting war.”
She was fighting Taylor for the undisputed lightweight titles back in 2022, falling via split decision in Madison Square Garden in New York City.
That was also the site of the first meeting between Serrano and Hardy.
Amanda Serrano could get Taylor rematch with win
So, what is the motivation for Serrano to face Hardy once again? A rematch with Taylor could be on the horizon with a win.
While the first encounter made history by becoming the first-ever female headline boxing match at Madison Square Garden, the rematch could be headed overseas to Taylor’s home country of Ireland.
“Amanda is one of the most decorated and elite athletes ever and is on path to become the winningest female boxer of all time,” Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement. “After some much-needed recovery time, Amanda is excited to return to the ring and remind fans why she is the most devastating puncher in women’s boxing. If Amanda prevails in the fight, the plan is to immediately pursue the rematch with Katie Taylor in Ireland.”
Heather Hardy looking to bounce back
After her loss to Serrano, Hardy squared off with Jessica Camara in 2021 and dropped a decision. Those are the only two defeats in her 25-fight career, which includes four knockouts.
Taylor has captured titles of various importance over the years, but a win vs. Serrano would definitely be the biggest yet.
“I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” Hardy said. “In 2021, I came back to boxing with a renewed passion for the sport. My late trainer told me, the day before he died, that 2023 would be my year. Now, I have the opportunity to prove him right and become an undisputed champion. Thank you to Amanda and team for keeping their word on giving me the rematch, but come fight night, I only have winning on my mind and stealing the show from Jake Paul and Nate Diaz.”
Hardy also made a run in MMA with Bellator from 2017-19, going 2-2 with wins over Ana Julaton and Alice Yauger.
More on Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul
As of now, despite his run-ins with the law, all remains on track for Diaz to make his return to action vs. Paul later this year. The two have a pre-fight press conference scheduled for this month which should definitely provide plenty of fireworks and ammunition for the continued build towards the bout.
No other fights have been confirmed for the card to date.
