The hard work of Mexican Erika Cruz Hernández for the most important test of her life was rewarded this Thursday night. The Mexican arrived in New York with a goal and she achieved it after defeating Jelena Mrdjenovich and snatching the featherweight crown of the World Boxing Association (WBA) in a technical decision in seven rounds.

The main fight of the event organized by Ring City USA at the United States Military Academy in West Point ended abruptly after an accidental head butt caused a cut on Jelena’s eyebrow, who was unable to continue on the seventh round.

The technical decision was 70-63 on the three judges’ cards, all for the challenger, who posed an aggressive fight and blow exchange. She was faster and with an impressive volume of punches that allowed her to take advantage of Mrdjenovich and connect the best hits during the fight.

The Mexico City native broke the reign of the Canadian, who had been champion since 2016 and had defended the black and gold belt five times.

The southpaw fighter spoke about how much her father helped her in her preparation and the desire they both had to win the WBA belt. She assured that the crown is dedicated to her father, who could not be in New York due to the restrictions of the pandemic.

Cruz Hernández improved her record to 13 wins, 1 loss, and 3 KOs. For her part, Mrdjenovich left her record at 41 wins, 11 losses, 2 draws, and 19 KOs.