Seven-weight world champion Amanda Serrano has revealed she was once paid just $1,500 to defend her world titles. 

The Puerto Rican will take on Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden on April 30th in a historic women’s fight that looks set to be the biggest of all time. 

Across its 140 year history, this will be the first time a female fight has headlined MSG and ticket pre-sales are already breaking records.

“We all felt and hoped that this event would be a game-changer [and that] this event would be iconic, historic and break the records,” said Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Last week for the pre-sale we recorded the second biggest pre-sale in the history of boxing in 140 years at Madison Square Garden.

“Of course, this is the biggest female fight of all time but it’s also one of the biggest fights in boxing.” 

Given Madison Square Garden is likely to be a sellout, both fighters are set to earn seven-figure pay-days according to Hearn and Serrano’s promoter Jake Paul. 

In an interview with Sporting News, Paul said: “They are getting paid in the seven figures, which is historic. It’s never happened for women –– guaranteed seven figures plus pay-per-view.” 

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: (l-r) Katie Taylor, Eddie Hearn, Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano attend a press conference at The Leadenhall Building on February 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Yet, while Serrano and Taylor are widely regarded as two of the greatest female fighters ever, their paychecks have not always reflected their ability. 

Speaking on Eddie Hearn’s No Passion, No Point podcast, Serrano reflected on her journey in boxing and stressed how little she has been paid in the past. 

"After becoming a multi-divisional world champion I was still fighting for $1,500, $4,000 (£1,100, £2,950), which is unheard of. 

"It was a good thing the fight didn't happen two years ago. We wouldn't have got the recognition, or headlining making history at Madison Square Garden, making the money - we're changing the sport of female boxing. We're making history. It's not just me and Katie."

Serrano has now signed with Paul’s promotional company ‘Most Valuable Promotions’ and the YouTuber has been vocal in his desire for equal pay in boxing.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Amanda Serrano talks to the media during a press conference ahead of the fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at The Leadenhall Building on February 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

"I can help for sure but it's all credit to the women. I'm just here to help in any way that I can as a friend and somebody who cares about Amanda Serrano." Paul said at Monday’s press conference. 

"The list is too long. Fighter pay is another big thing across the board for both women and men. Boxers are the content creators, they are the ones getting in there and putting on the show."

Both Taylor and Serrano are undefeated so far in their boxing careers. Taylor is the undisputed lightweight champion, while Serrano is the only woman to win titles in more than four weight classes. 

It’s the contest both boxers have long been hoping for, and in April the two will finally come face-to-face.