Amanda Serrano Dominates Reina Tellez in Featherweight Title Defense at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden in New York City erupted in cheers on January 3, 2026, as Amanda Serrano retained her unified featherweight titles (WBO and WBC) with a commanding unanimous decision (99-91, 100-90, 98-92) over Reina Tellez in a 10-round masterclass. Serrano’s relentless pressure, superior footwork, and pinpoint accuracy overwhelmed the Mexican challenger, marking her 47th professional victory and solidifying her status as one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Aired live on DAZN starting at 8:00 p.m. ET after prelims, the bout trended globally on X, with @MostVPPromotions calling it “Serrano’s clinic — Tellez had no answers.” The sold-out crowd of 18,000, fueled by Puerto Rican flags, New York fight-week energy, and a Times Square fan zone, turned this into a landmark night for women’s boxing.
Fight Overview
Serrano vs. Tellez headlined the Most Valuable Promotions card at Madison Square Garden, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. ET on DAZN after undercard bouts at 5:00 p.m. ET. Slated for around 10:00 p.m. ET, the stakes were high: Serrano, 37, defended her unified titles in her first bout of 2026, while 26-year-old Tellez aimed for her first world title shot. Bet365 odds listed Serrano as a massive -2000 favorite, with Tellez at +900 as the longshot. X buzz framed it as “legend vs. hungry challenger,” with @DAZNBoxing posting, “Serrano’s power vs. Tellez’s heart — MSG magic incoming!” The 18,000 fans, hyped by weigh-ins at Barclays Center and Puerto Rican Day Parade-style events, created an electric atmosphere. X polls leaned 85% toward Serrano early.
Amanda Serrano The 37-year-old from Carolina, Puerto Rico, entered with a 46-2-1 record (31 KOs), orthodox at 5’5″ with a 68-inch reach. The seven-division world champion averages 8.5 punches per round at 60% accuracy (Compubox), holding the featherweight titles since unifying against Erika Cruz in 2023. Fresh from a 2025 UD over Nina Meinke, X clips showed her drilling combinations with coach Jordan Maldonado. Her 67% KO rate and relentless style make her a fan favorite, with @MostVPPromotions tweeting, “Serrano’s ready to make history again.”
Reina Tellez The 26-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico, carried a 18-1 record (10 KOs), orthodox at 5’6″ with a 67-inch reach. The WBC #1 contender lands 6.2 punches per round at 54% accuracy (Compubox), earning the shot after a 2025 TKO of a top contender. Training in Mexico City, X footage showed her sharpening jabs with coach Ignacio Beristain Jr. @WBCBoxing noted, “Tellez’s +900 is value for her youth.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: MSG roars as Serrano opens with a double jab, using angles to close distance. Tellez counters with a right at 1:20, but Serrano lands a left hook at 2:45, reddening Tellez’s cheek. Compubox: Serrano 32/50 to Tellez’s 15/35. @DAZNBoxing scores 10-9 Serrano.
Round 2-3: Tellez presses in Round 2, landing 20/40 punches. Serrano responds with volume in Round 3 (38/60), targeting the body. Tellez’s eye swells at 2:15. Scores 20-18 Serrano.
Round 4-6: Tellez rallies in Round 4, landing a hook at 1:30. Serrano dominates 5-6 with flurries (85-65 total), dropping Tellez briefly in Round 6 with a right cross. 10-9 Serrano each.
Round 7-9: Tellez survives on heart, landing 22/45 in Round 7. Serrano’s jab (45/70) controls 8-9. Scores 10-9 Serrano.
Round 10: Serrano cruises, landing 30/50 to seal it. Compubox: Serrano 245/450 (54%) to Tellez’s 140/380 (37%). UD for Serrano.
Key Moments and Impact
Serrano’s Volume: 245/450 punches (54% accuracy) overwhelmed Tellez, with body work key. @MostVPPromotions: “Amanda’s masterclass.” Tellez’s Heart: 140/380 punches and survival showed promise, but 37% accuracy couldn’t compete. Fan Reaction: The 18,000 chanted “Serrano!” throughout; X polls 88% predicted her win. Cut Impact: Tellez’s eye swelling impaired vision late.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Serrano, now 47-2-1, declared, “Taylor rematch or McCaskill at 140 next!” Her defense nets $2M purse, cementing her as the GOAT candidate. Tellez, 18-2, gracious: “Amanda’s the best; I’ll be back.” Stock rises despite loss. Featherweight heats with Alycia Baumgardner, Taylor lurking.
Event Context and New York Atmosphere
The card featured Serrano’s sister Cindy UD win co-main; 60% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by Puerto Rican Day events; @DAZNBoxing: “MSG delivers again.” DAZN stream peaked at 1.5M viewers.
What’s Next?
Serrano eyes Taylor III or McCaskill in 2026. Tellez targets contender bout. This MSG clinic reaffirms Serrano’s dominance.
On January 3, 2026, Amanda Serrano outclassed Reina Tellez via UD, volume retaining her unified featherweight crowns amid MSG roars. Legacy grows, as women’s boxing shines.
