Holly Holm’s Return to Boxing: A Full-Circle Comeback Fueled by Unfinished Business
Before she ever set foot in the UFC Octagon and etched her name in MMA history by dethroning Ronda Rousey with one of the most iconic knockouts in combat sports, Holly Holm was a force in the boxing ring. A multiple-time world champion across three weight classes, Holm’s résumé in the sweet science remains one of the most decorated in women’s boxing history. Now, at 43 years old, Holm is stepping back into the ring in what could be the final chapter of her combat sports career—but one with championship ambitions still very much alive.
Holly Holm Set to Box Yolanda Vega on Jake Paul vs. Chavez Jr. Undercard
On June 28, Holm will face Yolanda Vega in a 10-round lightweight bout on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. event. It’s her first professional boxing match since 2013, and the anticipation is building. Speaking at the Los Angeles press conference for the event, Holm made it clear—this isn’t just a swan song. “I don’t think I need too many [bouts before fighting for a title],” she said. “One, maybe two fights and then fight for a title. I know I’m still ready to rock and roll.”
Why Holly Holm Never Boxed at 135 Pounds—Until Now
Holm’s return is driven by a deeply personal goal: competing at 135 pounds, a weight class she never touched in her boxing career despite spending most of her MMA tenure there. “In boxing, I fought at 140, 47, 54. In MMA, the majority of my career was at 135. I never got to box at 35,” she explained. “[Katie] Taylor, [Amanda] Serrano, all the names are in that weight class, so I’ve got my eyes on the prize.”
That weight class—rich with talent and legacy—is where Holm wants to leave her final stamp. It’s a shot at something historic: a fourth division title, and a chance to finally close the loop on an unfinished chapter of her storied boxing career.
From GFL Fallout to Boxing Revival
To Holm this seem to be the best path after she was caught up in the GFL debacle that left her without a place to compete. Following the fallout her manager, Lenny Fresquez, confirmed that Holm began actively exploring boxing again following the cancellation. “Maybe it’s just unfinished business,”Holm reflected.“I always thought, man, I would have been able to have four weight divisions’ belts.”
With time working against her, Holm admitted she’s likely down to her final stretch: “Honestly, I’ve got a year or two left,” she said.
