Kicking off 2026, unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano returns to Puerto Rico to defend her WBA and WBO titles against unbeaten challenger Reina Tellez. Fighting at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Serrano enters as the clear favourite, but title fights at home bring their own pressures, especially against a young opponent with nothing to lose.
For Serrano, this bout is about reaffirming her place at the top of the division and silencing any doubts as she moves deeper into her career. For Tellez, it is a career-defining opportunity to shock the sport on one of its biggest stages.
Analysis
Amanda Serrano’s strengths are well established. Her relentless work rate, elite conditioning and championship-level experience separate her from most featherweights. Serrano thrives in high-tempo fights, piling up combinations and forcing opponents to fight at a pace they are uncomfortable with. Over ten rounds, that pressure usually becomes overwhelming.
Fighting in Puerto Rico only amplifies those advantages. Serrano traditionally starts fast at home, looking to control the ring early and build momentum with volume rather than raw power. Her ability to mix body and head shots is key, particularly against smaller opponents who struggle to deal with sustained pressure.
Reina Tellez, however, is not without her tools. At just 22 years old, she brings youth, confidence and an unbeaten record into the biggest fight of her life. Tellez is likely to focus on staying compact, limiting exchanges and trying to slow Serrano’s rhythm. Her best moments may come early, when the fight is still tactical and before Serrano fully settles into her flow.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
The problem for Tellez is sustainability. Over the second half of the fight, Serrano’s volume and experience tend to take over. As rounds progress, the gap in output and ring IQ is likely to widen, forcing Tellez into survival mode rather than sustained offense. Unless the challenger can dramatically disrupt Serrano’s rhythm or score a defining moment, the champion’s control should be clear.
Tale of the tape
| Fighter | Amanda Serrano | Reina Tellez |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Puerto Rican | American |
| Age | 37 | 22 |
| Height | 5’5″ | 5’0″ |
| Reach | 65.5″ | – |
| Record | 47-4-1 (31 KOs) | 13-0-1 (5 KOs) |
How to watch
The event takes place on Saturday, January 3rd at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The main card begins at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT, with main event ringwalks expected around 11:30 PM ET.
The fight will stream live worldwide on DAZN, available in more than 200 countries.
Prediction
This matchup favours experience, pressure and pace. While Reina Tellez should have moments early, Amanda Serrano’s volume and championship composure are expected to take over as the fight wears on.
Amanda Serrano to win by late stoppage or clear unanimous decision, retaining her WBA and WBO featherweight world titles in front of her home crowd.
Prediction: Amanda Serrano to retain her titles.
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