(MAY 2)  On June 15th at the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico one of the most dramatic ring dramas of the past year will have its sequel: Anne Sophia Mathis (26-1, 26 KO) will defend her WBAN and IBA Welterweight titles against Holly Holm (30-2-3, 9 KO). T

his will be Mathis’ first defense of the IBA belt since brutally lifting it from Holm in December 2011. Boxrec indicates Mathis will also be making her third defense of the WBF strap, though WBAN is currently unable to confirm this. Mathis and Holm are currently ranked #1 and #2 respectively by WBAN.

Both fighters will be making their first ring appearances since last winter’s tilt. This return bout presents two of the best women in boxing in a highly anticipated contest. Promoter Fresquez Productions has labeled the fight, “The Reckoning: Rematch for the Pound-For-Pound Crown.” For boxing fans who have grown tired of the fruitless verbal sparring by the top men in boxing, this bout is a blessing.

When Mathis and Holm last met they engaged in an entertaining back and forth battle that saw Mathis grind Holm down over the course of six-and-a-half rounds on the way to a pitiless knockout victory.

Holm showed her world class skill early in the fight and fought a courageous battle to the end. Holm blamed her own pride for costing her the fight, but Mathis’ power certainly played a role; with a knockout percentage of 81% she ranks among the best boxers of all time. By way of comparison, devastating puncher and former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman retired with a knockout percentage of 84%.