SWEET HOLLY PUREBREAD
By Moncayo Blackbull

January 11, 2006 (InsideBoxing.com) - Female boxers aren’t new to boxing by any means. I remember back in the early 1980s, a local promoter in Colorado often had females fighting on his boxing shows. Seldom were the girls given the respect that was given their male counterparts. Today, things have changed and continue to change thanks to fighters like Christy Martin, Mia St. John, Laila Ali and several others that make the sport of boxing a priority in their life.

Major boxing organizations such as the WBC now recognize the female athlete, instituting female ratings and championships.

When you look at today’s active fighters, you can’t help but notice the IBA’s junior- welterweight champion Holly Holm of New Mexico. The 23-year-old Holm started boxing at the age of 18 and quickly established herself as a fighter to be reckoned with.

After only her fourth fight, she signed to fight New Mexico’s high-profiled “Golden Girl” Stephanie Jaramillo in what ended up determining the premier female boxer in the state. Holm prevailed and handed Jaramillo her first loss as a professional, but more than that, she put the high expectations surrounding Jaramillo in question. New Mexico boxing fans and media welcomed an immediate rematch when it was announced. In less than two months, the two would face each other again.

The rematch took place on Oct. 3, 2003 and did not disappoint the fans as this action packed fight ended in a draw.

Holm went on to win her next two fights before fighting to a draw against Angelica Martinez. She then suffered her first set back, losing to Rita Turrisi on June 27, 2004 when trainer Mike Winkeljohn stopped the fight in the forth round due to a nasty cut under Holm’s eye.

Holm’s break-out fight opportunity came on Sept. 16, 2005 when she was matched up with Christy Martin. Not many gave Holm a chance at defeating “The Coal Miner’s Daughter”, but when all was said and done, Holm would out-box and out-class the female legend. Two judges scored shutouts while the third awarded Holm eight of the 10 rounds.

The win over Martin catapulted Holm onto the world boxing scene and strengthens her grip on the world title. Next up for Holm would be Mia St. John.

On Dec. 8, 2005, St. John shared the same fate as Martin, losing to Holm in a 10-round contest. All three judges scored a shutout for Holm.

I told Holm that 2005 ended up being her break out year. With wins over the best female fighters in the business - Christy Martin and Mia St. John - she put herself on top of the pile. Then I asked her what she would like to see happen in 2006?

“I have never put any expectations on myself other than to take what comes to me and train hard for it,” she said. “I know I want some challenging fights and I want to learn from them and improve my skill. I always have said that I didn't find boxing, it found me, so I would like to see where it takes me this year. I do know I want to take it further than I did in 2005.”

Inside the ring, a vicious fighting machine. Outside the ring, a fun-loving, mild-mannered person would be the best way to define Holm.

When not training for a fight, Holm finds time to enjoy other sports activities she loves. Snowboarding in the winter, swimming and tanning in the summer… Ok. Tanning does not qualify as a sport activity, but how many men wouldn’t sign a petition to make it an Olympic event? Fellas, come on, synchronized swimming or tanning?

I also found out Holm’s can bake a mean apple pie! Although she would not disclose her baking secretes, I did find out everything is made from scratch, no pre-mix of any kind, even the crust for the pie.

On the personal side, Holm is single, has two older brothers and a Siamese kitty she absolutely adores.

“She is awesome! Everybody makes fun of how much I talk about her,” Holm said. “She is such a lover. She cuddles all the time, especially when I am knitting! However, she can have quite an attitude at times.....kind of like me!”

For this story, I asked many questions. A couple (ok, three) I’d like to share with you:

Now that you have become a champion what are your goals?

“I want to gain experience. I only have 15 fights compared to other girls with 30-50 fights. I also want to fight the best, because in order to be a champion, you have to beat a champion. Winning more titles would be great, but my main focus is to beat the best. That can be more priceless than beating a fighter with a title that may not be as good as another fighter.”

If a young girl asked you how she could start to box, what would you tell her?

“You have to have the passion and heart to put into boxing. I believe anybody that has that can be successful. Also, be patient. You don't make it happen over night. And always perfect your basics. I still try to perfect mine. It's a never ending thing.”

Outside of boxing, do you have any other goals in life?

“I want to travel to Europe, Hawaii, Spain, and Mexico. I then want to have a family and kids. I also want to have a career outside of boxing, I'm just not quite sure yet. I would like real estate or I would like to get into cosmetology, maybe an esthetician.”