“Deliberately turning off the Super Bowl halftime show. Let’s pull together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want with no consequences (which equates to viewers for them). You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn this halftime off. A fake American citizen acting out publicly hating America. I can’t support it.”
Serrano, a multi-division titleholder long positioned as the central figure in Paul’s promotional structure, responded with a measured statement that registered about a sport built on loyalty between fighter and promoter.
“Puerto Ricans are not ‘fake Americans.’ We are citizens who have contributed to this country in every field, from military service to sports, business, science and the arts, and our identity and citizenship deserve respect.”
Serrano’s public outing puts promoter-fighter alignment under strain ahead of future negotiations and positioning
Tonight I am here where I am supposed to be in my beautiful island with my people celebrating and watching in awe of how well Benito represented us and our culture
I’m proud to be Puerto Rican, and I’m proud to be an American citizen. Puerto Ricans are not “fake Americans.” We…
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) February 9, 2026
Her reaction landed hard within a sport built on loyalty between fighter and promoter, especially when big purses and arena fees often depend on local support. Serrano acknowledged the opportunities she was given while drawing a firm line on identity.
“I don’t agree with statements that question the legitimacy or identity of Puerto Rican people, and I can’t support that characterization. It’s wrong.”
The reaction spread throughout the battle circuit. Logan Paul also distanced himself from the comment.
jake paul literally lives in puerto rico, what even 😐 https://t.co/kH5tS5RIfa
— ۟ (@rdgrlt) February 9, 2026
“I love my brother, but I don’t agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans and I’m glad they got the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”
Promoters rarely welcome news unrelated to matches or purses. Reputation affects sanctioning relationships, venue access and municipal support, often faster than results within the ring.
Paul has leaned on Puerto Rico as both residence and business base, aligning himself with champions who pull strong gates on the island.
