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Fresquez Productions held a press conference today to announce the much-anticipated June 15 rematch between French knockout-artist Anne Sophie Mathis and Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, universally considered the two best female boxers in the world, at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.
“The Reckoning,” presented by Fresquez Productions in association with Route 66 Casino Hotel, will showcase a stylistic match-up between invading knockout specialist Mathis and the consummate boxer, southpaw Holm.
Mathis will defend her IBA and WBAN welterweight title belts, as well as the mythical pound-for-pound crown, for the first time against the same opponent she upset to capture the straps from last December.
In her United States debut, at the same venue on top the “World Dominance” card, seven-time world champion Mathis scored a shocking seventh-round knockout of Holly, the local favorite who had been undefeated for more than seven years and her previous 24 consecutive fights.
“Anne Sophie Mathis and Holly Holm are the two best women fighters in the world,” promoter Lenny Fresquez said. “Mathis proved herself but Holly is seeking retribution on June 15. Take nothing away from Anne Sophie, but Holly got out her game plan to box and got caught by some big punches.
“She plans to fight her fight, not Mathis’ this time. Women boxing fans all over the world have been clamoring for the rematch and we’re excited to be presenting it at the beautiful Route 66 Casino Hotel.”
Mathis (26-1, 22 KOs) is riding a 25-fight win streak, dating back to 1995 when she lost her second pro fight. In addition to Holm, she’s beaten other world champions such as Myriam Lamare (twice), Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro.
Holm (30-2-3, 9 KOs) is a nine-time, three-division world champion who will be out to avenge her humbling loss last December at home to Mathis. Holly has defeated a Who’s Who list of woman boxers from the 140 through 154-pound weight classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Couch, Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice).
For more information about “The Reckoning” go on line to www.FresquezProductions.com or www.rt66casino.com .
Press Conference Quotes
Anne Sophie Mathis (via Skype): “Holly knows what to expect from me, obviously, since we’ve already fought. I don’t expect anything but the best from Holly. She’s a professional and I am not underestimating her in this fight.”
” I will stay focused on the job at hand and i expect that I will have to continue to train hard. If she comes to me, I’ll be defensive; if she backs up, I will be the aggressor.”
“I think Holly is a great athlete, a great fighter, but I am working on the knockout.”
“Since you didn’t get to fight Cecilia Braekhus, how do you feel about being inactive since December.”
“It was a disappointment not being able to fight Braekhus. I’ve been taking this time to work on techniques.”
Holly Holm: “We’re sticking to the plan, make no mistake about it. I had a bad day at the office. That will not happen this next fight.”
“Retirement? Not in the very near future.”
Promoter Lenny Fresquez: “I always knew Braekhus would back out of her fight with Mathis. Not once, but twice, and that’s why I gave them (Mathis) permission to fight her (Braekhus). Shame on her (Braekus). I’ve never seen a fighter sick or injured has much as her.
“We tried for two years to make a fight (Braekus vs. Holm)but she is protected by a sharp promotional outfit that do not want to lose their investment. Fans know Sophie is The Champ but Holly is going get her belts back!”
