While the people at the American Airlines Center were eagerly waiting for the bout between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz, they were blown away by the co-main event. Former WBC featherweight champion Heather Hardy took on Amanda Serrano for a crack at the undisputed featherweight title.
The 41-year-old single mother has previously lost to Serrano via a grueling unanimous decision in their previous meeting and their recent encounter ended in a similar fashion.
Both fighters went at it early in the first round as they landed a couple of powerful shots at each other. However, as the rounds progressed, Serrano showcased why she was the undisputed champion of the division. The bout certainly managed to entertain fans to its fullest and Heather gained some new fans for showing the heart of a champion.
WHAT A FIGHT! 👏 #SerranoHardy #PaulDiaz pic.twitter.com/1TKBYK3VqC
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) August 6, 2023
Regardless, it was a tough night for the Heat as she lost her chance for the title. Several fans believed it was a beating with the commentators also stunned with the results. “She is 41 year old with a child,” said one of the commentators calling the fight.
With Serrano disrupting Hardy’s winning streak, it will be interesting to watch who The Heat fights next. Given her age and everything she has done for the sport, chances of retirement seem apparent as well.
What’s next for Heather Hardy after Amanda Serrano loss?
MVP’s Amanda Serrano managed to defeat Heather The Heat Hardy for the second time as they faced each other in the ring. Both fighters went at each other from the start and had the crowd roaring throughout their bout. While Hardy put up a great fight she eventually lost to the Puerto Rican Champion.
“I gave everything I had today. I gave everything for three months. Everything, I have no excuses, that was everything,” said Hardy. After this bout, the Heat will need to go back to the drawing board and figure out her next move.
Heather is 41 years old with 24 wins and 3 losses in her professional boxing career. With a loss against Serrano, she can certainly challenge featherweight boxer Erika Cruz. Cruz lost her WBA title to Serrano via unanimous decision during her last fight.
An amazing heart felt moment with Amanda Serrano and Heather Hardy❤️ #PaulDiaz pic.twitter.com/oruluVucxc
— JmagStatsMMA (@JmagStatsMMA) August 6, 2023
With both fighters coming off a loss to Serrano, they can certainly battle it out for the position of contender. Another great opponent for Hardy could be Canadian fighter Jelena Mrdjenovich. Jelena is coming off a two-fight losing streak and has not fought since September last year.
The Canadian fighter was the second most active pound-for-pound female boxer in 2020 and has held multiple titles. While no statement regarding the 41-year-old’s next fight has been released yet, this would be a fight that could get Hardy back into the win column.
That said Hardy has also pursued a career in mixed martial arts. With Serrano signing with PFL, chances of a rematch in MMA can certainly not be denied. Regardless, Heather has comfortably made six figures after her loss, and boxing fans will have to wait for her next move.
