The jury is out on what impact Jake Paul has had on boxing. But the verdict is in on the role he has played in the career of Amanda Serrano.
The 126-pound champion, who is scheduled to defend her titles against Nina Meinke on Saturday in Puerto Rico (DAZN), told Fox News Digital that her association with the YouTuber-turned-boxer-and-promoter has changed her life.
She signed with Most Valuable Promotions in 2021, shortly after it was founded by Paul and business advisor Nakisa Bidarian.
I’m so Blessed to have these 3 amazing men manage my career.
They work real hard to create opportunities for me, I repay them by working as hard as I can & performing to my best ability. I Can’t let them down. I stay away from Gossip & Unnecessary drama on social media & in… pic.twitter.com/otEb7GBh3P— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) February 28, 2024
“[It was] the best decision I’ve made in boxing,” Serrano told Fox. “It changed my life totally. Jake brings eyes to the sport, and I was excited to be a part of it and be the first girl on his undercard. I had to make sure I had to go out there and prove I’m deserving of that position. Jake is just an amazing guy. Nakisa is an amazing guy. And they just want what’s best for me.
“They’ve definitely added more zeroes to my bank account, so I’m truly blessed for that.”
Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) took part in the biggest fight of her career shortly after signing with MVP, her split decision loss to 135-pound champ Katie Taylor. They were the first women to fight in a main event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
And now she’s set to fight in her native country for the first time since March 2021, which means a great deal to her. Another difference between this fight and others under the MVP banner: Paul is fighting on her undercard, not vice versa.
“I’m truly blessed to have opened up for him so many times, and now the roles have reversed,” Serrano said. “He’s opening up for me, and Jake is such a gentleman. He said this is my home, and he would never take that main event.
“I’m like, ‘No you can do it! You can do it!’ He’s like, ‘There is no way you’re going home, and you’re going to showcase your home.’ Jake and Nakisa have truly been the best.”
Serrano has won four consecutive fights since the setback against Taylor, including a shutout decision over Danila Ramos in October.
Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs) is a solid fighter but is seen as a significant underdog, meaning no one would be surprised if she ends up suffering the same fate as the last woman to face Serrano in Puerto Rico, Daniela Bermudez, who was stopped in nine rounds.
“I’m hoping it’s a repeat [of that 2021 fight],” she said. “I’m really excited, and I’m pumped. And I can’t wait to go in there and perform in front of my people.”
