Post by jr on Jun 13, 2006 19:52:31 GMT -5
Holly Holm’s unanimous decision over Angelica Martinez last Saturday in Albuquerque was not unexpected, but when the biased local press praised Martinez’ performance and criticized the scoring of the fight, a further examination is necessary.
Martinez, who took the fight on short notice and without the benefit of preparation, gave Holm more than she expected. Realizing Holm’s lack of power was her weakness, Martinez walked through Holm’s soft punches in the later rounds and punished Holm more than in any of her previous fights. Martinez may have won five of the ten rounds. It’s understandable why Team Holm reportedly chose retiring 40-year old Lisa Holewyne over Martinez.
Holm’s three previous were less-than-stellar performances. Christy Martin is well beyond her prime, in my opinion. IFBA lightweight titleholder Mia St. John was a much smaller opponent than light welterweight Holm (possibly a welterweight by fight time) and Holm could not hurt her. And the TKO over Shadina Pennybaker was due to a final head butt in the seventh round. Tape of the Holm-Pennybaker contest was never released and probably won’t happen for the Martinez fight – have to keep the Holm mystique alive.
Team Holm’s attempt to move into the welterweight division was nearly disastrous. Holm does not have the power to compete with the heavy punchers at this weight as demonstrated by Martinez.
What’s in Holm’s future? Trainer Mike Winkeljohn stated that Holewyne, Sumya Anani, and Terri Blair are potential opponents. Holewyne is a possibility, but don’t expect a contest with Anani or Blair – too much risk. Other top opponents fight only at home like Holm, so expect her to return to light welterweight and fight brave, but relatively unknown opponents. In Albuquerque, of course. Team Holm will continue to rely on Fresquez Productions to lure opponents with big purses.
And what about Team Holm’s “Million Dollar Baby” dream of a fight in Las Vegas? I believe Holm awakened from that dream with the Martinez fight. Holm’s career has hit a wall, the wall holding her captive in Albuquerque.
Martinez, who took the fight on short notice and without the benefit of preparation, gave Holm more than she expected. Realizing Holm’s lack of power was her weakness, Martinez walked through Holm’s soft punches in the later rounds and punished Holm more than in any of her previous fights. Martinez may have won five of the ten rounds. It’s understandable why Team Holm reportedly chose retiring 40-year old Lisa Holewyne over Martinez.
Holm’s three previous were less-than-stellar performances. Christy Martin is well beyond her prime, in my opinion. IFBA lightweight titleholder Mia St. John was a much smaller opponent than light welterweight Holm (possibly a welterweight by fight time) and Holm could not hurt her. And the TKO over Shadina Pennybaker was due to a final head butt in the seventh round. Tape of the Holm-Pennybaker contest was never released and probably won’t happen for the Martinez fight – have to keep the Holm mystique alive.
Team Holm’s attempt to move into the welterweight division was nearly disastrous. Holm does not have the power to compete with the heavy punchers at this weight as demonstrated by Martinez.
What’s in Holm’s future? Trainer Mike Winkeljohn stated that Holewyne, Sumya Anani, and Terri Blair are potential opponents. Holewyne is a possibility, but don’t expect a contest with Anani or Blair – too much risk. Other top opponents fight only at home like Holm, so expect her to return to light welterweight and fight brave, but relatively unknown opponents. In Albuquerque, of course. Team Holm will continue to rely on Fresquez Productions to lure opponents with big purses.
And what about Team Holm’s “Million Dollar Baby” dream of a fight in Las Vegas? I believe Holm awakened from that dream with the Martinez fight. Holm’s career has hit a wall, the wall holding her captive in Albuquerque.