HOLLY HOLM

21-1-2 (6 KOs)
Age: 26
Born: October 17, 1981 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
7-Time World Champion, 3 Divisions
Reigning IFBA, IBA, WBC, WBA, WIBA & GBU Welterweight Champion

A preacher’s daughter growing up in New Mexico, Holly Holm got into boxing through aerobics – actually kickboxing – and now years later she is arguably the leading female pound-for-pound boxer today with seven world title belts, covering three different weight classes (light welterweight to light middleweight), in her display case.

Holm tried gymnastics, swimming and diving before she got into kickboxing in 2002. She was 6-0 as an amateur kick-boxer, including top honors in a national championship, but soon switched to boxing and made her pro debut January 24, 2002 in Albuquerque, defeating Martha Deitchman by third-round TKO.

The 5’ 8” southpaw reeled-off five straight wins, including four-round decisions against future world title challengers Bonnie Mann and Stephanie Jaramillo, before fighting a six-round draw with Jaramillo in 2003. Two victories and another draw followed until Holly suffered her first and only loss to Rita Turrisi, when Holm was unable to continue after four rounds due to a severe (3-inch) cut under her eye. Since that setback on June 27, 2004, Holly has won 14 straight fights, six world titles and defeated seven world champions.

Her first world title fight was only 5 ½ months after suffering her lone loss, winning a 10-round decision against world champ Terri Blair for the IBA light welterweight crown. Two fights later, Holly made her first title defense, stopping Lisa Lewis in the eighth round, setting up a showdown against the most recognized women’s boxer, legendary champion Christy Martin (46-3-2). Holm pitched a near shutout, winning a 10-round decision by scores of 100-90 (twice) and 98-92, in a non-title bout.

Next up for Holly was another world champion and Playboy pin-up girl, Mia St. John (42-5-2), who Holm did pitch a complete shutout against in their 10-round match (100-90 three times) for Holly’s light welterweight title belt. Holly was later named the Albuquerque Hall of Fame’s 2005 Female Athlete of the Year.

Holm successfully defended her IBA light welterweight championship for the third time, registering a seventh-round technical knockout over Shadina Pennybaker, followed four months later by a 10-round decision versus Angelica Martinez for the vacant WBA welterweight title. Holm threw another shutout (100-90 three times) in her next fight, defending her IBA light welterweight crown against multiple-world champion and pioneer of women’s boxing in the United Kingdom, Jane Couch

Running out of quality opponents in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions, Holly moved up to light middleweight and, in another near flawless performance on the judges’ scorecards (100-90 twice, 99-91), Holly won a 10-round decision for the IFBA 154-pound title against Tricia Turton.

In a 2007 bout against WBC lightweight champion Ann-Marie Saccurato (12-1-2), Holly successfully defended her WBA welterweight belt and captured the WIBA, WBC and IFBA titles, taking a lop-sided 10-round decision (98-91, 98-91, 97-92).

Holly turned in another scintillating performance against world champion Chevelle Hallback (25-4-1) in a non-title bout, winning a 10-round decision (100-90 twice and 98-92) in Albuquerque. Holm successfully defended her IFBA welterweight belts in her last three fights against, respectively, Martinez (DEC10) in a rematch, Miriam Brakache (TKO7), and former world title-holder Belinda Laracuente by 10-round decision on February 7, 2008.

Holm -- the 2007 WBAN and The Ring, as well as the IFBA 2006 & 2007 Fighter of the Year -- has a perfect 10-0 record in world title fights. Named The Ring magazine’s 2005 and 2006 Fighter of the Year, Holly has fought on ESPN2 and The Best Damn Sports Show.