Anne Sophie Mathis Wins Light Middle Belt With Thunderous Body Shot

Anne Sophie Mathis proved that she is among the best female fighters in the world, when she beat Dominican Yahaira Hernandez to win the vacant World Boxing Federation Super Welterweight title on Saturday evening, June 1, at the Salle Roger Boileau in Dombasle, France.

After two straight losses to Holly Holm, to who she lost her WBF Welterweight title, and Cecilia Braekhus, Mathis came back at her brand-new weight with obvious dedication to show her hometown followers that she is right back looking to secure a rematch with Braekhus.

Yahaira Hernandez began the bout quickly, and appeared to shock Mathis with her aggression. The 25-year-old from Santo Domingo was most likely winning the initial round, until Mathis countered her with a well-timed uppercut to score a knockdown.

From then on the bout ended up being an all-out battle with both fighters throwing bombs and the audience going crazy. Mathis, but, was more precise of the two and therefore won the rds, but Hernandez fought her heart out in what was a competitive and intense bout.

In rd 3 an unintentional clash of heads started an unpleasant cut above the right eye of Hernandez, but she was allowed to carry on by referee Toni Tiberi and the ringside physician. In rd 5, as they both proceeded to slug away, Mathis landed a huge shot to the liver of Hernandez who turned away hurt. She couldn’t recover, and Tiberi counted her out at 1:59 of the rd.

Because of the impressive win Mathis enhanced her pro record to 27-3 (23), and became just the 3rd female boxer to win a WBF World title in two weight classes. Hernandez can travel home to the Dominican Republic pleased with her overall performance, and with a record that now stands at 14-5 (8).

The bout was promoted by Mathis longtime manager and trainer René Cordier.