Holm set to clash with Mathis

The biggest fight this year in women’s boxing, pitting two of the top three welters in the world against each other, is set for Dec. 2 at Route 66 west of Albuquerque.

Billed as “World Dominance,” the top female pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Holly Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) will fight for the vacant IBA and WBAN 147-pound belt against WIBA welter champ Anne Sophie Mathis (24-1, 21 KOs), of France.

After a weak year in the ring, having split her attention between boxing and cage fighting, and not having faced any top-shelf fighter in a year, Holm will be facing her toughest opponent in years. Mathis has lost but once – 16 years ago in what was her second pro fight.

Though billed as a showdown to determine the top female pound-for-pound fighter, the long-anticipated match-up will need yet another showdown to determine an undisputed champ. Cecilia Braekhus of Norway, undefeated at 18-0, 4 KOs, holds three belts at welterweight and is a close second in the pound-for-pound ratings to Holm.

A match between Holm and Braekhus came close to fruition in September but failed to materialize.

Strong undercard

In the co-main, six rounds at welter, Josh “Pittbull” Torres (5-1-1, 3 KOs), of Albuquerque, will remach Joel “Pirata” Vargas (3-4-1, 3 KOs), of Kansas City, Ks.

In a female flyweight bout, Brandi Montoya (0-2) and Tonia Cravens (2-6-2, 2 KOs), both of Albuquerque, will go four.

In a battle of lightweights, debuting Joel Gonzalez of Albuquerque and Antonio Garcia, 1-0, of Santa Fe, will go four.

Also at lightweight, and a possible show-stealer, Antonio “Tone” Martinez (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Espanola, takes on undefeated Hobbs fighter Edgar Zubia (1-0-1). Both Martinez and Zubia have fought John “Smiley” Herrera, of Roswell: Zubia was lucky to get a win and Martinez, a draw.

In a four-rounder between Albuquerque banties, Leonardo Sanchez (1-0) will take on debuter Devon Simmons.

At lightweight, Albuquerque debuters Christian Cabral and Eleazar Loya will go four.

Popular amateur Matthew Baca will make his debut in the opener, taking on Daniel Gonzalez, also debuting out of El Paso, in a four-round featherweight bout.

October 10th, 2011

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