Holly Holm seeks retribution from Anne Sophie Mathis
For the first time in nearly eight years, nine-time World Champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (30-2-3, 9 KOs) will enter the ring coming off of a loss, seeking retribution June 15 from French knockout specialist Anne Sophie Mathis (26-1, 22 KOs) , who stopped fan-favorite Holm in the seventh round of their International Boxing Association (IBA) and WBAN title fight last December, also fought for the mythical women’s pound-for-pound championship.
Mathis-Holm II headlines “The Reckoning,” presented by Fresquez Productions, in a 10-round main event at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“I felt like I was fighting well but got a little over anxious,” the newly married Holm reflected. “I felt that I could land and wanted to follow-up, but I didn’t stick to my defensive game plan. I didn’t fully respect her power like I should have. It was definitely the toughest fight I’ve ever had. She’s a stubborn-minded fighter unlike fighters I’ve faced. She’s not cocky, or overconfident, just tough.
“She knows what I want to do but she’s not scared of me. She’s a good fighter who is confident of beating me. I’m confident I can beat her in this fight. I’ve evaluated a lot of things, taking what I did wrong, and making them right for this fight and beyond. I lost but I’ve learned the most from losing to make myself better for this fight.”
Mathis, who was fighting in the United States for the first time, snapped Holm’s seven-year, 24-fight unbeaten streak.
“I lost that fight, no excuses,” Holly added. “I just got beat. There’s no way around it. I had to be honest with myself to get better. It happened. Maybe it was good that it happened for me to get better at this stage of my career.
“I could have fought the rest of my career, never losing again, but I wanted to fight her. It was a rough fight for me and I’ve battled my demons over that night. If I didn’t believe in myself, I’ve already lost. Nobody is going in there fighting for me.”
During the course of her 10 ½ year professional career, has defeated many of the biggest names in women’s boxing from the 140 through 154-pound weight classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Couch, Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice).
Seven-time and reigning IBA/WBAN World Champion Mathis is riding a 25-fight win streak, dating back to 1995 when she lost her second pro fight. She has beaten world champions such as Holm, Myriam Lamare (twice), Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro.
