Holm vs. Han: Lightweight Title Showdown Set for January 3!
In a highly anticipated boxing event, former UFC champion Holly Holm is set to challenge WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han in the co-main event of the Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz card on January 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The fight, promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), carries additional significance as it will be contested under rules equal to men's boxing, featuring 10, 3-minute rounds.
Holly Holm, at 44 years old, makes a compelling return to the boxing ring after a 12-year hiatus. The three-weight world champion in boxing and 2022 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee recently signed with MVP and secured a unanimous decision victory over Yolanda Vega in June. Prior to her return to the sweet science, Holm had a decorated career in mixed martial arts, famously winning the UFC women's bantamweight title by knocking out Ronda Rousey in 2015. Fighting out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holm (34-2-3, 9 KOs) is now aggressively chasing a title in a fourth weight division at 135 pounds, having previously held titles at welterweight, junior welterweight, and junior middleweight.
Her opponent, the undefeated Stephanie Han (11-0, 3 KOs), presents a formidable challenge. The 35-year-old Han, fighting out of El Paso, secured the WBA title in February with a first-round knockout of Hannah Terlep. Since turning professional in 2021, Han has maintained a dominant record, winning all her fights by either knockout or decision. She is described as a multifaceted athlete, a champion, a mother, and a police officer, adding another layer to her impressive profile. Holm will undoubtedly be the most prolific opponent of Han's career to date.
Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of MVP, expressed their enthusiasm for the bout, stating, "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. And they are doing it with 3-minute rounds like the men."
Both fighters shared their excitement for the upcoming match. Han commented, "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 also shared her sentiments, stating, "I feel great. 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."
In addition to Han's title defense against Holm, several other exciting fights have been announced for the Serrano-Cruz card: Flyweights will see Yankiel Rivera (7-0-1, 3 KOs) face Jonathan González (28-4-1, 14 KOs). In the Featherweight division, Jan Paul Rivera (13-0, 7 KOs) will battle Alfredo Cruz (10-3-1, 5 KOs). Super Featherweights include Henry Lebron (20-0, 10 KOs) versus Juan Tapia (14-4, 5 KOs), and Super Bantamweights feature Chris Echevarria (9-1, 4 KOs) against Gabriel Bernardi (7-3, 5 KOs). The women's flyweight bout will present Krystal Rosado (7-1, 2 KOs) against a TBD opponent.
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