MightyGloves.com

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

posted by Kathleen Holland on May 20, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

That is one way to describe Holly "The Preacher's Daughter" Holm ( 21-1-2) 6KOs. She can also be described as relentless, tenacious and packs an awesome punch. Holly is also considered the No.1 Welterweight in the world. Holly will be taking on Mary Jo Sanders on June 13th in New Mexico on the PPV fight card "Finally" for the IFBA Jr. Middleweight Title.

While Holly has an impressive list of past opponents and presently a collection of prized rankings from WBAN, The Ring and IFBA to her credit what I found most intriguing about Holly was how down to earth, uplifting and humble she was during our phone interview.

Holly can also be easily described as " the girl next door" except for one teeny weenie exception- she is a kick-ass boxer and over all great athlete. She will probably give me a quick jab with her powerful left hand for also mentioning the fact that she happens to be a very pretty woman in a sport known for just the opposite. ( Sticks my tongue out at Holly.)

I will admit I am pretty new to the world of women boxing but from conducting this insightful interview with Holly, I have come away with a clearer understanding and deep appreciation for the female boxers of today. Let's talk to Holly Holm:

JA Holly thanks for taking the time to talk to me.
HH Thank you for asking for the interview.

JA Are you excited or nervous about the fight with Mary Jo?
HH A lot of both.

JA How do you think the fight will go?
HH I'm not into predictions. If I fight my best I feel I can beat her.

JA Your fighting at Jr. Middleweight will that be an issue?
HH It will not be a problem. Mary Jo is strong it will be different.

JA Why boxing?
HH I don't know. I didn't seek it out. I wanted to try it and I really love it.

JA Will this fight be your toughest competition so far?
HH Definitely my toughest competition. Mary Jo is a well rounded fighter.

JA How is training going?
HH Good. I'm taking one day off a week. I don't want to burn out.

JA Who is your role model?
HH My parents and coaches.

JA What makes you special?
HH I don't know. I guess because I'm not frustrated by fans. I use my spare time for charities and doing things with children. I'm very involved in the community.

JA What is your best punch?
HH Different punches for every fight. I'd say my strong left hand.

JA Your boyfriend is also a competitive fighter( cage fighter) and also you train with the same trainer is that a problem?
HH Not at all. I feel that he understands me better because we are both fighters.

JA Can you whoop him?
HH (laughs) No I don't think so.

JA You also known to do a back flip after you win how did that come to be?
HH It really just came about by messing around in the gym one day and my trainer saw me do it and thought it would be something special to do after a winning match.

JA Are you a girly girl?
HH Yes and no. I can do yard work, mow the lawn as well as cook, knit and decorate. I'm more Daddy's little girl.

JA Favorite fighter?
HH Ali He fought and backed it up.

JA What is you most memorable accomplishment in boxing?
HH The Christy Martin fight.

JA What is your boxing style?
HH I'm a boxer not a brawler. Basically hit and don't get hit.

JA What is your motivation for this fight?
HH Mary Jo is undefeated. I want to challenge her. I'd like to give her, her first loss.

JA What do you say to those that suggest you are too pretty to box and should be a model?
HH I don't see it that way. If my looks make me more marketable then it's a positive.

JA What comes most natural to you as a boxer?
HH My competitive spirit. Once I get hit I want to hit back 3 times more. I get mad when I get hit but I have learned to control the fire also.

JA How important is your boxing team to your success?
HH Very Important. Their the best team I can have and my coaches too.

JA Being a southpaw do you think you get discriminated against?
HH Yes. A lot of fighters do not like to fight against southpaws.

JA Do you think boxing is violent?
HH Not at all. There is mutual respect in the ring. Boxers hug when the fight is over. Their is good sportmanship. You choose to fight them and they choose to fight you. Boxing is a sport that takes a
lot of hard work.

JA If you didn't box what would be your career path?
HH At one time I thought about News Broadcasting. But I think I would like to be my own boss. Maybe own a spa that has aerobic classes.

JA What are you afraid of?
HH Losing. If I lose I feel I've let people down.

JA What do you think about hometown advantage in this fight?
HH There is no such thing if you are fighting in front of neutral judges. You have to motivate yourself. The hometown crowd makes it exciting and gives you support.

JA What do you love about boxing?
HH The challenge. It keeps me in shape and healthy.

JA What do you dislike about it?
HH When you have to get up and do roadwork and instead you'd rather stay in bed.

JA 3 words to describe your personality?
HH Big goof, silly,independent.

JA Favoite food?
HH Fruit, french fries and pizza

JA Favorite snack?
HH Chocolate cake( but it has to be good chocolate cake or it's not worth it)

JA Favorite color?
HH Green

Ja Best part of your body?
HH My heart

JA If you could have a superhero power it would be?
HH To be somewhere automatically-time travel.

JA In boxing...I wish I could be more____
HH Perfect.

Ja How can woman's boxing get more credit?
HH In the last few years it has been getting better. They need to put women's boxing on TV more.

JA Do you use boxing as a form of Anger management?
HH Not at all. Boxing is good for stress. It keeps me in good spirits. Gives you added energy for your daily tasks.

JA Anything you would like to say in closing?
HH Thank you for the interview.
JA Thank you. Good Luck.

You can watch Holly take on Mary Jo Sanders at:
"Finally" brings the best of women's championship boxing to PPV live from the Isleta Resort Casino in Albuquerque on Friday, June 13, at 10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT. Produced and distributed by Integrated Sports, "Finally" will be available for live viewing on cable and satellite pay-per-view in the United States via iN Demand, TVN and DirecTV and in Canada, via Shaw Communications and StarChoice, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Tickets, priced at $50, $100, $150, $200, $350 and $500, are available at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc., (508.884.7484). For more information visit www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

« Previous article: Big Surprises Come In Small Packages

Next article: NATE CAMPBELL ON CHEVELLE HALLBACK »