Few fighters live what many would describe as a ‘normal’ life. Cutting weight, dehydrating and becoming comfortable with the strain of hunger are commonplace for both sexes in boxing.
The occasional social media purge in fight week is also a tried and tested tool to aid application, though Serrano’s choice to only ever own a landline phone is extreme for the modern fighter.
“I have sacrificed everything,” she told IFL TV. “I don’t have a phone, don’t have a boyfriend, I don’t go out to drink – this is my lifestyle.
“I believe I don’t want any distraction and phones. You see people walking down streets bumping into walls – I don’t need that. People can’t live without their phones. Apparently I can.”
Serrano – a self-confessed ‘foodie’ – has followed a vegan diet for the final 10 days of her weight cut-down to 115lb, and says she found rising to 140lb for her last bout more challenging.
Her dedication to making weight today contrasts with her early years in the sport, where she trained infrequently between the ages of 12 and 18 while older sister Cindy – who has also held a world title and recently lost to Ireland’s Katie Taylor – was beginning her career.
Now Serrano is just weeks away from marking a decade in the professional ranks. She never dreamed boxing would prove to be her occupation, let alone deliver world titles, and is thankful the women’s sport has at last reached a “very healthy place”.
“I had to struggle to get my feet in the door,” added Serrano, who has 35 wins, one draw and one defeat to her name.
“It wasn’t easy and still isn’t that easy. I was fighting for $1,000, even for world titles. Me and my sister have fought for practically nothing.
“Back then it was so hard to get on a card, to show you had talent and skills. Now there are platforms showing women’s boxing and you see talented women out there putting bums on seats and selling tickets.”
Under the guidance of promoter Lou DiBella and working closely with both Matchroom Sport and streaming service DAZN, Serrano now says she has a platform that provides “light at the end of the tunnel”.
With no other woman having held world titles in five weight classes, the devastating victory over Voraberger has only added to her legacy.