Amanda Serrano’s women’s boxing vision contrasts with Shields

Amanda Serrano is presenting her legacy as a way to strengthen women’s boxing, rather than as a reason to diminish other champions. The seven-division world champion says her focus has moved beyond personal achievements to better pay, stronger promotion and wider access to major broadcasters for female fighters.

Serrano has already reached the targets she set for herself inside the ring. She has said that recognition for helping other women progress now means more to her than adding another championship, and that she wants future fighters to exceed what she has achieved.

That approach was reinforced by praise from MVP chief executive Nakisa Bidarian, who credited Serrano with helping drive the company’s investment in women’s boxing. Serrano was MVP’s first signing before agreeing to a lifetime contract with the promotion.

Her three fights with Katie Taylor demonstrated the commercial potential of women’s boxing when major financial and promotional backing is provided. MVP now works with more than 50 female fighters through arrangements linked to ESPN, Sky, Netflix and DAZN. Bidarian also identified Serrano as the leading fighter across divisions, titles, viewership and earnings.

The contrast with Claressa Shields has emerged through Shields’ comments about Tamm Thibeault. Shields has argued that Thibeault’s Ring middleweight title belongs to her and questioned the Canadian’s experience. Thibeault is a two-time Olympian, a former world amateur champion and holds the IBF, WBO and Ring middleweight belts.

The disagreement reflects a longer pattern of tension around Shields. Laila Ali said in 2025 that Shields supports other women only when her own standing is not threatened. Shields was also barred from MVP events after striking Alycia Baumgardner during an argument in a private VIP area. Supporters may view Shields’ confrontational style as self-promotion in a sport that still offers limited attention to women, while Serrano is choosing to measure success by the opportunities available to those who follow her.