El Paso’s World Boxing Association lightweight champion Stephanie Han has plenty of options for her next title defense after her technical decision win vs. Albuquerque’s Holly Holm.
The win for Han will open up more opportunities for her, including a possible rematch with Holm (34-3-3), perhaps in late spring.
It was Han’s biggest victory of her career, streamed by DAZN, a global streaming service and on-demand sports with rights in the U.S., Germany, Portugal and Spain. Holm is a former UFC and world boxing champion. It was Holm’s second fight since returning to boxing. She defeated Yolanda Vega last June by 10-round decision. Holm left boxing in 2013 to pursue a career in UFC.
Han’s win over Holm, which took place at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, drew widespread praise from boxing fans worldwide.
Han (12-0) took control of the fight early with a good jab and solid right hands and was comfortably ahead on the judges’ scorecards when the fight was halted because of a cut on Han’s forehead, which was caused by an accidental head butt. It’s unclear how much Han was paid for the successful defense of her title.
On the ring physician’s advice, referee Luis Pabon officially stopped the contest at 1:44 of the seventh round of the scheduled 10-round title fight.
Han won by scores of 69-65, 69-64 and 68-65.
“I haven’t gone back and watched the fight yet, but I felt good, I felt strong,” Han said. “I was well prepared and it feels amazing to bring back the title back home. I’m open to fighting Holly again; she is a great fighter. I’ve seen where lots of people thought the fight ended too soon and that it could have kept going. We can do it again, but I hope we can do it here in El Paso, even Albuquerque, if we have to.”
Han, who praised Holm repeatedly leading up to and after the fight for her success in boxing and the UFC, outlanded Holm 87-29 in total punches.
“Not being able to finish it is the hardest part, but she had a lot of volume and I was kind of waiting for those later rounds to take over,” Holm said following her first boxing loss since 2011. “And you can’t do that when things like this happen. I didn’t want it to end like that. Absolutely we can rematch next, nobody wants the fight to end like that. I don’t.”
Han also mentioned fighting junior welterweight champion Katie Taylor. Taylor defeated Stephanie’s sister, Jennifer, by decision in 2021.
“I want to fight the best,” said Han, who has returned to her job with the El Paso Police Department. “I’m gonna take a breather and then start preparing for my next fight.”
Han is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, which is owned by influencer Jake Paul, and has two fights remaining on her four-fight contract. MVP also promotes Holm, WBO lightweight champion Terri Harper and WBC champ Caroline Dubois. Han signed with MVP after winning the title last February in El Paso via first-round knockout.
“The opportunities are there for some great fights,” Han said. “We’ll see what is the best fit. I’m motivated to keep being the champion.”
Han’s manager, Bob Spagnola, plans to meet with MVP representatives to discuss a possible return to the ring for Han in May.
“Stephanie handled herself so well against Holly,” Spagnola said. “She stepped up and fought at a high level and never let the big moment slow her down. She deserves so much respect and deserves another big fight.”
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Still champ: El Paso’s Han beats Holly Holm, plans for next title defense
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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