Mathis, Holm To Fight For Women’s Welterweight Title

ByBoxing Press

French knockout artist Anne Sophie Mathis (25-1, 21 KOs) plans to make a major statement December 2, fighting outside of Europe for the first time, against American favorite Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) for the right to claim the No. 1 pound-for-pound position in women’s boxing.

“World Dominance,” presented by Fresquez Productions, will be held Saturday night, Dec. 2 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Holm-Mathis 10-round bout, technically-speaking, will be for the IBA Welterweight title and WBAN Championship Belt. Both female fighters, however, realize that they are also fighting for the mythical “P4P” crown.

“We are the two best welterweights in the world,” Mathis said. “Holly’s best fights have all been in her hometown, while I’ve won most of my world championships outside of my hometown. I also have a much better knockout percentage than Holly (84% to 26%).

“Fighting in the U.S. has always been in my plans and, if I didn’t agree to fight Holly there, it wouldn’t have been possible to make this fight in France due to expenses and promotional demands. I must fight Holm, in her hometown, to be recognized worldwide.

“This fight can make a major impact for women’s boxing. We’re both well known in the boxing world and it’s also unusual for a French boxer fighting in the United States. I will be in the best possible condition. I’m still working to win and the key to victory against Holly, hopefully, is that the judging will be neutral that evening.”

Mathis is currently riding a 24-fight, 16-year win streak since she suffered her only pro loss in her second fight. On Dec. 2nd, she will mark the fifth anniversary of her first world title victory, in which she stopped previously unbeaten Myriam Lamare (13-0) for the WBA crown and vacant EBU championship. Ann Sophie’s victims also include world champions Jane Couch, YDuda ankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro.

Six-time world titlist Mathis is the reigning the WIBA, WIBF and WBF Welterweight Champion, while Holm is a nine-time world champion in three different divisions (light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight).

Holly has defeated virtually all of the significant names of the past decade in women’s boxing from the 140 through 154-pound classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice). Holm is riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak, dating back to her only pro loss in 2004, when a serious cut under her eye prevented her from continuing to fight.

The 29-year-old Holm sports an incredible 20-0-1 (6 KOs) record in world title fights, as well as an 14-0-1 mark versus world champions.

“I’ve never fought anybody like Holly,” Mathis remarked, “but twice I have beaten Myriam Lamare, who is more powerful than Holly and very physical. We’ll see if Holly can take my power. I think she’s a dancer, or runner, and I’ll have to be patient and wait for my opportunity. It’s going to be a very interesting fight on December 2nd.”