Holly Holm Set for WBA Lightweight Championship
Holly Holm is set to take on Stephanie Han for the WBA lightweight championship in the co-main event of the Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz fight on January 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as announced by Most Valuable Promotions to ESPN on Wednesday. This upcoming match will follow the same rules as men’s boxing, comprising 10 rounds of 3 minutes each.
Holm’s Return to Boxing
After a lengthy departure from boxing lasting 12 years, Holm (34-2-3, 9 KOs) re-entered the boxing scene by partnering with Jake Paul’s promotion, Most Valuable Promotions. She marked her return with a unanimous decision victory over Yolanda Vega back in June. Prior to her boxing comeback, the athlete built an impressive mixed martial arts career, famously clinching the UFC women’s bantamweight title by knocking out Ronda Rousey in 2015. At 44, she hopes to add another boxing title to her accolades, which also include titles in three different weight classes, alongside her 2022 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Excitement from MVP Co-Founders
In a joint statement, Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of MVP, expressed excitement over Holm’s title shot: “Holly Holm is back challenging for a boxing world title, 12 years after leaving the sport and doing it with MVP. She is facing a multifaceted athlete in Stephanie Han who is a champion, a mother, and a police officer. Plus, they are doing it with 3-minute rounds like the men.”
Han’s Undefeated Record
Holm faces a formidable opponent in Han (11-0, 3 KOs), who remains unbeaten and claimed the WBA title through a first-round knockout of Hannah Terlep in February. The 35-year-old boxer, hailing from El Paso, Texas, has demonstrated her dominance since turning professional in 2021, having won all her bouts either by knockout or decision. This match against Holm will arguably be Han’s toughest challenge to date.
Han’s Enthusiasm for the Fight
Speaking about the upcoming fight, Han expressed her enthusiasm: “From El Paso to the world stage, now I get to fight Holly Holm, in Puerto Rico next to the island’s greatest boxer in Amanda Serrano. Every sacrifice has led to this moment, and I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity. Equal opportunity at that, with 3-minute rounds.”
Holm’s Motivation and Legacy
Meanwhile, Holm, training out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is eager to pursue more titles despite her significant time away from the ring. After a well-placed victory earlier this year, she is motivated to capture the 135-pound championship, adding to her history of victories at welterweight, junior welterweight, and junior middleweight.
“I feel great,” Holm shared. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to fight for a fourth weight division title and add to my legacy on Saturday, January 3. I’m thankful for MVP and this opportunity and look forward to fighting in Puerto Rico, an island with a deep boxing culture.”
