Born: 1967 (Mexico City)
Biography:
Laura Serrano Garcia, born on October 20, 1967, in Mexico City, is a Mexican boxer known for her impressive career and significant contributions to the sport. Serrano’s journey in boxing began while studying at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City, where she aimed to lose weight and maintain physical fitness. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to become a trailblazer in women’s boxing.
In pursuit of her ambitions, Serrano applied for a professional boxer’s license in Mexico and embarked on her career as a boxer. She made her professional debut in a high-stakes match against Christy Martin for the world title on a pay-per-view card in Las Vegas. This historic fight resulted in a draw, marking an impressive start to Serrano’s professional boxing career.
Serrano’s determination and skill were further showcased in her next bout against world champion Deirdre Gogarty. The match took place as part of the first-ever all women’s boxing undercard held at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Serrano emerged victorious, securing a knockout victory in the seventh round. This momentous win propelled her into the spotlight and solidified her status as a rising star in women’s boxing.
However, Serrano’s journey faced a significant obstacle when she was scheduled to box on the undercard of the Julio César Chávez-Miguel Ángel González Pay-Per-View event in Mexico City. To her dismay, it was discovered that a ban from 1947 prohibited women from participating in boxing events in the city. Fueled by her determination to challenge gender barriers, Serrano initiated a legal battle to overturn the ordinance. Her efforts proved successful, leading to the abolition of the ban and opening doors for future generations of female boxers in Mexico.
Despite facing adversity, Serrano’s resilience shone through. In 1999, after recovering from a foot injury and undergoing surgery, she mounted a successful comeback and triumphed in her return bout. On September 2, 1999, Serrano cemented her place in history by defeating the world champion Tracy Byrd, becoming Mexico’s first woman world boxing champion. This remarkable achievement marked a turning point in the sport, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams in the ring.
Serrano continued to defend her title against formidable opponents. She showcased her skills and determination against the likes of Cinthya Prouder, Alicia Ashley, Gina Greenwald, and Kelsey Jeffries. These victories not only solidified her status as a dominant force in women’s boxing but also played a crucial role in elevating the sport’s recognition and popularity.
Throughout her career, Serrano displayed admirable grit and tenacity, pushing boundaries and paving the way for future generations of female athletes. Her impact extended beyond the boxing ring, as she became an influential figure in women’s sports, inspiring countless individuals to challenge societal norms and pursue their passions fearlessly.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the world of boxing, Laura Serrano was inducted as the first Mexican female boxer into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. This honor solidified her place as a trailblazer in the sport and a true icon for aspiring female athletes worldwide.
Awards:
– Inductee into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (2015)