Senate Resolution No. 1110

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Laura Serrano Garcia upon the occasion of
being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of
Fame on June 10-11, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding athletes who distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; Laura Serrano Garcia is one such athlete
and her life of athletic achievements inspired others and contributed to
the respect and admiration of the sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Laura Serrano Garcia upon the occasion of being inducted into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame at Hall of Fame Weekend on June 10-11,
2023 in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born on October 20, 1967 in Mexico City, Laura Serrano
Garcia is a Mexican boxer; and

WHEREAS, Laura Serrano Garcia began boxing at the Universidad
Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City, where she was studying to
become a lawyer; she applied for a professional boxer's license in
Mexico and later went to Las Vegas to challenge Christy Martin for the
world title in her first professional match; and

WHEREAS, In her next fight, Laura Serrano Garcia defeated world
champion Deirdre Gogarty by a knockout in the seventh round, in what was
the first all-women's boxing undercard held at the Aladdin Hotel &
Casino in Las Vegas; and

WHEREAS, After coming back from a foot injury and Mexico's
forbiddance of women from boxing events, Laura Serrano Garcia defeated
Tracy Byrd to become Mexico's first woman World Boxing Champion on
September 2, 1999; and

WHEREAS, Having held many prestigious titles, Laura Serrano Garcia
defended her World title against Cinthya Prouder, Alicia Ashley, Gina
Greenwald, Kelsey Jeffries, and has won her last two title defenses; on
August 12, 2008, she challenged Melissa Del Valle for the Junior
Lightweight title and the attempt resulted in a tie; and

WHEREAS, Laura Serrano Garcia clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of the International Boxing
Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Laura Serrano Garcia upon the occasion of being inducted into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 10-11, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Laura Serrano Garcia.