ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (April 17,
2013) - Yesterday at a Fresquez Productions media
luncheon, 14-time, three-division world boxing champion Holly
"The Preacher's Daughter" Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs) shocked the
combat sports world by announcing her retirement from boxing,
effective after her May 11 fight with "Merciless" Mary McGee
(20-1, 11 KOs), in order to pursue her mixed-martial-arts career
(3-0-0). [Holm fought for the WBAN P4P World Title belt four
times, winning it three times.]
"Since I first started fighting,
it became my passion," Holly explained her decision. "I decided
a long time ago, after quitting school to fight, that I would
box as long as my heart was in it. One of my biggest and
controversial fights was against Christy Martin. Then, it was
Mary Jo Sanders. There's always a champion. This is my own
journey. Every one of my fights have helped me to believe in
myself.
"When we were deciding which way to go with my future, my
trainer, Mike Winkeljohn, said it best, 'You want to climb a new
mountain.' This thing has created a new spark in me and I'm
following my heart. I wish much success to Cecilia (Braekhus)
but not fighting her does not, by any means, define my boxing
career. I know there's a lot of talk about that but what does
that say about all the women I've already fought? I've never
been a paper champion. I've grown so much every step of the way.
I'm in this fight, on May 11,100 percent; I'm not distracted.
This is obviously an emotional, spiritual and physical journey
and I'm so grateful for the people who have supported me. I just
want to fight where my passion is (MMA). I train in an MMA gym
and always have."
Holm defends her International
Boxing Association and World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior
welterweight titles in the 10-round main event on the "Mayhem"
card, presented by Fresquez Productions, at Route 66 Casino
Hotel in Albququerque, New Mexico.
"I love Holly's team - the chemistry, the fans, the loyalty,"
Holm's promoter Lenny Fresquez said. "Regarding Cecilia - Holly
doesn't need anybody! She is headed toward the boxing
(International) Hall of Fame and is already named for the New
Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame. We will continue the Holly Holm
saga. She's at the top of her game and we support her
history-making decision."
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