JAKE PAUL will refund over $1.5million worth of tickets after Amanda Serrano was dramatically forced out of her fight at the last minute.
The Puerto Rican icon was due to make her San Juan homecoming in an undisputed featherweight title defence against Nina Meinke.
Her YouTuber-turned boxer manager and promoter Paul knocked out Ryan Bourland in round one of the co-headliner.
But news began to trickle in that Serrano, 35, had suffered an eye injury that would sensationally force her out of the fight.
And following Paul’s first-round knockout, she entered the ring wearing glasses to cover her face looking devastated.
Serrano was evidently heartbroken as she confirmed doctors refused to rule her fit to fight meaning she had to withdraw at the last minute.
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Addressing the crowd, she said: “I came ready to fight, 100 per cent I came to show my fans a great show.
“But the doctor didn’t clear me because I had something wrong with my eye.
“I had my hair done a couple of days ago, as you can see, the doctor didn’t clear me to fight. I wanted to fight for my people.”
Serrano, 35, burst into tears while being consoled by Paul, 27, who spoke out to address the crowd.
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He said: “I know there’s people booing but Amanda came to fight, put in a hard camp but the doctors wouldn’t let her move forward because of her eye.
“Her cornea was exposed as she was failing some eye tests she wasn’t able to fight.
“She did everything to make it happen and this happened super, super last minute.
“We did everything in our power to continue to keep the fight happening but the doctors wouldn’t allow it.
“And her cornea was exposed and you can’t risk losing your eyesight forever for just a fight.”
Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian confirmed the record-breaking $1.5m gate would all be refunded.
Bidarian said: “Jake and I and Amanda have made the decision, 100 per cent of the $1,511,000 will be refunded to all fans in attendance who seek a refund.”
And Bidarian revealed how Serrano’s hair appointment two days out from the fight ultimately caused the freak injury.
He added: “What happened there was on Thursday night, Amanda Serrano had her hair done.
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“On Friday, while going on a run, a chemical went into her eye that is why at the weigh in she was wearing glasses.
“We were trying to determine what happened. She visited a doctor Friday evening and throughout all of Saturday we were trying to get her eye to a place that she was comfortable fighting.
“She came to the arena to fight and when the commission’s medical doctors examined her, they said she was unfit to fight.
“The commission would not allow her to enter the ring and do what she wanted to do most which was fight in front of her fans on this island.”
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And opponent Meinke wished Serrano as she said: “I’m absolutely gutted. I hope Amanda will be well and recovers soon.
“Quick recovery for you Amanda, I’m ready, I’m waiting for you, I’m ready when you are.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
