On May 11th in Aguascaliente, Mexico, Erika Cruz (pictured) will defend her WBA 122-pound for the first time against undefeated mandatory challenger Nazarena Romero of Argentina. Cruz (17-2, 3 KOs) became a two-weight ruler by taking the title from Mayerlin Rivas in November, outworking the champion in Los Angeles to claim the crown via majority decision. Cruz previously held the WBA belt at featherweight before taking on boxing legend Amanda Serrano in an undisputed battle in New York in February 2023, with Serrano coming out on top in a memorable clash. ‘Dinamita’ is excited to be getting back into action and putting her belt on the line, and intends to put the rest of the champions at super bantamweight on notice.

 

“I’m stepping into the ring not just to defend my title, but to conquer,” said Cruz. “Romero may be the mandatory opponent, but my sights are set on bigger dreams. Yamileth Mercado, Ellie Scotney, Segolene Lefebvre – I’m coming for all the belts. Romero won’t be the one to stand in the way of my destiny. Viva Mexico!”

 

Romero (13-0-1, 7 KOs) gets a second crack at a title that looked well within her grasp at the halfway stage of her clash with former champion Rivas in June. The Argentine welcomed Rivas to Buenos Aires and floored the champion in the third round before an accidental headclash led to a nasty cut above Romero’s left eye, and the fight was ruled a technical draw.

 

The 29 year old gets the chance to get her hands on the title once again, and travels to Mexico to spoil Cruz’s plans.

 

“I think my time has come,” said Romero. “In my life nothing was, is, or will be easy. I was born for this, and I feel like the best of all. I prepare like a champion; I think like a champion, and I need to live like a champion.”

 

Promoter Eddie Hearn said, “I can’t wait for the clash between Erika and Nazarena, which promises to be so explosive. Erika guarantees excitement every time she steps through the ropes and Nazarena will be desperate to get her hands on the title at the second attempt; all the ingredients are there for a classic.”