In a highly anticipated women’s lightweight bout, Stephanie Han successfully defended her WBA world lightweight title against former UFC and multiple boxing champion Holly Holm. The fight, which took place on January 3rd at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, ended in a technical decision victory for Han after an accidental headbutt caused a stoppage in the seventh round.
Stephanie Han, entering the fight with an undefeated record of 11-0-0 and 3 knockouts, showcased her exceptional skills and speed. The 35-year-old champion controlled the pace of the fight, repeatedly landing sharp right hands and combinations that kept the 44-year-old Holm off-balance. Han’s precision and timing were on full display as she outboxed Holm, who struggled to find her rhythm against the younger, faster champion.
Holm, a veteran with a record of 34-2-3 and 9 knockouts, showed flashes of her former brilliance but was unable to consistently counter Han’s aggressive style. Despite her vast experience in both boxing and MMA, Holm found it challenging to solve Han’s speed and accuracy. The fight was halted at 1:44 of the seventh round due to a cut sustained by Han from an accidental headbutt, leading to a technical decision.
The judges’ scorecards were unanimously in favor of Han, with scores of 69-65, 68-65, and 69-64. This victory marks a significant milestone in Han’s career, solidifying her position as a legitimate championship-level boxer. Han had previously won her title with a first-round knockout over Hannah Terlep and successfully defended it against Paulina Angel.
The bout was part of an exciting fight card that featured Amanda Serrano vs. Reina Tellez as the main event. Despite the early stoppage, Han’s victory over Holm, a combat sports legend, represents the biggest win of her career to date. Han’s performance demonstrated her potential to become a dominant force in women’s boxing.
As the boxing world looks ahead, Stephanie Han’s future in the lightweight division appears bright. Her victory over Holly Holm not only adds a significant name to her resume but also sets the stage for potential unification bouts and high-profile matchups in the future.
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