Holly Holm, a former UFC women's bantamweight champion and a celebrated world-class boxer, is set to make her boxing return on June 28. Holm will face Yolanda Vega in a 10-round lightweight bout as part of the highly anticipated fight card headlined by Jake Paul versus Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The event will take place in Las Vegas, attracting significant attention from both boxing and combat sports fans.
At a press conference in Los Angeles, Holm expressed confidence in her abilities and her readiness to compete at a high level. When asked about the possibility of challenging for a title soon, she stated, “I don't think I need too many bouts before fighting for a title. One, maybe two fights and then fight for a title. I know I'm still ready to rock and roll.” Holm's determination is evident as she aims to reintegrate herself into the boxing scene.
Now at 43 years old, Holm is aware that her time in combat sports is limited. She candidly shared, “Honestly, I've got a year or two left.” This sense of urgency fuels her ambition to reclaim a spot among boxing's elite competitors.
Holm’s return to the boxing ring stems from her desire to settle some “unfinished business” and compete at the 135-pound weight class. Throughout her boxing career, Holm has fought in three different weight categories—140, 147, and 154 pounds—but she has never had the opportunity to box at 135 pounds. She remarked, “In MMA, the majority of my career was at 135. I never got to box at 135.” Holm has identified prominent names in the lightweight division, such as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, whom she aspires to compete against. “All the names are in that weight class, so I've got my eyes on the prize,” Holm added, emphasizing her ambition.
Reflecting on her previous boxing experiences, Holm mentioned a bout that didn't go as planned. “My last boxing match was maybe going to be at 135, and my opponent said, 'No. I want to fight at 140' because that was the belt that I had... I always thought, man, I could have had four weight division belts. Maybe it's just unfinished business,” she explained. This desire to achieve what she feels is missing in her boxing legacy has propelled her return to the sport.
Holm, known for her striking skills and resilience in the octagon, has an extensive background in boxing that established her as a formidable opponent. Competing in the ring again will allow her to showcase her growth and experience in combat sports since her transition from boxing to mixed martial arts.
As the fight date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate Holm's return, not only to witness her in action but also to see how she fares against more recent competition. The lightweight division is teeming with talent, and Holm’s performance against Yolanda Vega could set the stage for a title shot later this year.
In summary, Holly Holm is back and ready as she prepares to step back into the boxing ring on June 28 against Yolanda Vega. With aspirations to compete for a title soon and a clear focus on the 135-pound weight class, Holm's journey in the sport continues to unfold, capturing the interest of combat sports enthusiasts around the globe.
