I hope Holly Holm stays healthy in the boxing ring on June 15
No matter what you think about women's professional boxing, the physical courage of the fighters is beyond question. That's why I want to wish Holly Holm a safe and healthy re-match against French champion Anne Sophie Mathis in New Mexico on Friday, June 15.
They fought for the women's world featherweight belt last December and Holly got hammered, suffering the first KO of her career. The fight was worrying and controversial, because the referee let it continue way too long, by which time Holm was a semi-conscious punching bag (round 7). Even then, he let the "execution" continue until Holly was blasted half-way through the ropes.
No blame should be attached to Mathis. She did a fully professional job, and punished her opponent at every opportunity. In the cruel logic of pro boxing, she displayed a champion's "killer instinct." And before the fight turned one-sided, it was a fantastic contest.
Anyway, the rematch takes place next weekend. Holly hasn't fought since then and she looks to have a scar beneath her left eye from the battering she took last year.
I hope very much she gets through the fight without injury. If you share that hope, perhaps you'll think of her (and her opponent) on June 15. Thanks.