In times like these, when the undefeated is worth so much and a loss can be decisive for a fighter, Erika Cruz’s career is worth a lot.
Last week she lost by unanimous decision to Amanda Serrano and is no longer the World Boxing Association (WBA) champion but it is curious that despite that, after her performance at Madison Square Garden in New York, she has brought a lot of things for the warrior from Mexico City.
The scorecards said she lost but Cruz is far from being a loser and that’s how the boxing world perceives her. She stepped into the ring and gave it all she had, gave the public one of the best fights of the year so far against a legendary opponent like Serrano and proved to be at a high competitive level.
The blood on her face and the blood on Serrano’s face added drama to a fight that was full of exchanges and in which both were willing to do whatever it took to win. Women’s boxing has traveled a difficult road and opportunities have not been as many as its protagonists would have liked, but fighters like Cruz have taken advantage of every opportunity they have received.
Starring in a fight at the Garden is a great responsibility but both knew how to fulfill the expectations and that will open the doors to more women in stellar plans for the future.
Cruz prepared thoroughly, as always, and thanks to her hard work she has earned a place among boxing’s elite. She had already given notice when she beat Jelena Mrdjenovich to become champion and this bout with Serrano was a consolidation despite the loss.
Her skills in the ring are combined with a great personality, a great humanistic sense that she shows day by day in her work as Federal Police, and a work ethic that has helped her to be better every day.
The renowned officer is an example for the police force and an ambassador for it in the world. A source of pride for her colleagues and family members, she is now a figure on the world stage thanks to what she has done in the ring.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said after the fight between Cruz and Serrano, that the future of the Mexican is bright and that great opportunities will keep coming her way. Opportunities that no one is going to give her, she has earned them herself.
Cruz has proven to be a winner in every sense of the word and the fans want to keep seeing her in the big fights. Last Saturday night, Serrano made history by becoming the undisputed champion and continuing to add to her legend, but there was no loser.
