Former NABC World lightweight title-holder “Merciless” Mary McGee (20-1, 11 KOs) is going to Albuquerque with nothing but respect for her opponent, 14-time, three-division world champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs). She’s also heading there to spoil the soon-to-be-retired Holm’s final appearance in a boxing ring, on Saturday night, May 11, at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.
Holm recently announced that she will retire from boxing after this fight to pursue her mixed-martial-arts career. McGee will challenge Holm for her International Boxing Association (IBA) and World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior welterweight titles in the 10-round main event on the “Mayhem” card, presented by Fresquez Productions.
Fighting out of Gary, Indiana, McGee earned her title shot against Holm by stopping Victoria Cisneros (TKO4) in her last fight (December 7), on a card headlined by Holm vs.Diana Prazak. The rugged Cisneros had been the full distance against the likes of, among the more notables, Holm (twice), Cecelia Braekhus, Layla McCarter, Chevelle Hallback and Melissa Hernandez.
“I appreciate the opportunity to fight Holly Holm, who is the biggest name in our sport,” McGee said. “A fight like this is good for our sport and I’m glad to be in it. She is a true champion who has always fought the best. They saw what I could do there in my last fight. I want to challenge myself to fight the best and have trained hard for that. I’m at that level now. In basketball, teams don’t choose who to play next, and I think women’s boxing should be the same way, fighting the next in line. Cecilia chose to fight Mia (St. John) in her last fight, instead of Holly, and that decision hurt our sport. I think it was stupid and made us all look bad.”
Described as a good boxer-puncher, McGee believes her ability to fight a variety of different ways presents the biggest problem for her opponent, who Mary says, “Brings her experience as world champion against the best and self-confidence into the ring. I could go on and on about her. She’s also a smart fighter who has been there, done that, and is always focused.
“I take nothing away from her and look forward to being in a great fight. But, flat out, I want to win. I will not disrespect Holly in anyway. I have nothing but respect for all she’s done in boxing. I do believe in myself and look forward to a great fight.”
Also fighting on “Mayhem” is a group of New Mexico’s most promising prospects. Albuquerque lightweight Matthew Baca (2-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Armando Gonzales (2-2, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. On the undercard in four rounds matches are welterweight Rocky “El Torito” Romero (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. 11-fight veteran Michael Coca Gallegos, light middleweight Cris Leyva (1-0) vs. Manuel Eastman (1-3), lightweights making their professional debuts, Gabe Gabaldon vs. Brandon Salazar, and cruiserweights making their pro debuts, Manny Rocha vs. Floyd Olguin, Jr. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, ranging between $25.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase at the Route 66 box office, going online to www.rt66casino.com, or calling 505.884.7484.
