Stephanie Han Retains WBA Lightweight Title After Technical Decision

Boxing fans witnessed a dramatic and unexpected turn of events on Saturday night in Puerto Rico as Holly Holm’s bid for another world title came to an abrupt end. Facing off against reigning WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han, Holm—already a legend in both boxing and MMA—found herself on the wrong side of a technical decision after a head-butt led to a significant cut and an early stoppage in the seventh round.

This much-anticipated clash was set to be a showcase of experience and grit. Holm, 44, entered the ring with an illustrious resume: 34 wins, only 3 losses, 3 draws, and a storied legacy that includes 18 successful title defenses in three different weight classes. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017, Holm’s reputation preceded her. Yet, on this night, it was Han’s volume and sharp counters that set the tone from the opening bell.

From the outset, Han imposed her will, outworking and outlanding Holm, and repeatedly finding a home for her right hand. The defending champion’s strategy was clear: keep the pace high, land clean shots, and prevent Holm from settling into her rhythm. Holm, for her part, seemed content to bide her time, waiting for the later rounds to make her move—a tactic that has served her well in the past. But fate, as it so often does in boxing, had other plans.

The pivotal moment arrived at 1:44 of the seventh round. An accidental clash of heads left Han with a deep cut on her forehead. The ringside doctor wasted no time, stepping in to halt the action and assess the injury. With the fight already past the halfway mark, the rules dictated that the outcome be determined by the judges’ scorecards.

When the scores were tallied, there was no doubt about the winner. The three judges scored the bout 69-65, 69-64, and 68-65—all in favor of Han. She had clearly built a commanding lead over the seven completed rounds, leaving Holm with little room to argue the verdict.

After the fight, Han was gracious in victory, acknowledging both the anticlimactic ending and her deep respect for her opponent. “Things like this happen in boxing. I’m so happy, you have no idea. It’s not the way I wanted, but a win is a win. I want to thank you, Holly. You’re an absolute legend, and if you want a rematch, let’s do it in El Paso, let’s do it in Albuquerque. I would love to fight you again. I have nothing but respect for you. You’re an absolute legend, I’ve always looked up to you. Thank you,” Han said during her post-fight interview.

Holm, visibly disappointed but ever the competitor, echoed the sentiment and made it clear that she desires another shot at the title. “Not being able to finish it was the hardest part. She had a lot of volume and I was kind of waiting for those later rounds to kind of take over, and you can’t do that when things happen. I didn’t want it to end like that,” Holm admitted. When asked about a potential rematch, she was unequivocal: “Absolutely (I want a rematch). Nobody wants a fight to end like that. I don’t.”

The fight’s abrupt conclusion left many fans wondering what might have happened had it continued into the championship rounds. Holm’s strategy of pacing herself and coming on strong late has been a hallmark of her career, both in boxing and mixed martial arts. But against Han, she simply ran out of time. “She had a lot of volume, and I was kind of waiting for those later rounds to kind of take over,” Holm reiterated. “I didn’t want it to end like that.”

For Han, the victory solidifies her status as a world-class champion. She showed poise, technical skill, and an ability to adapt under pressure—qualities that have made her a formidable force in the lightweight division. The win also opens the door for a potential rematch, which Han seems eager to pursue, especially in front of Holm’s fans in Albuquerque or her own supporters in El Paso.

Holm’s legacy, meanwhile, remains untarnished. With a career that has spanned decades and sports, she continues to inspire fighters across the globe. Her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017 was a testament to her impact on the sport, and her willingness to challenge herself—regardless of age or previous accolades—only adds to her legend. Saturday’s setback, though disappointing, is just another chapter in a career defined by resilience and ambition.

The technical decision loss drops Holm’s professional boxing record to 34-3-3, but it’s clear she’s not ready to close the book on her fighting days. The desire for a rematch is mutual, and the boxing world will no doubt be watching closely to see if the two champions can settle their unfinished business, this time without the intervention of bad luck or untimely injuries.

Boxing, as ever, remains a sport where fortunes can change in an instant. One accidental clash of heads was all it took to shift the narrative from a potential late-round surge by Holm to a technical victory for Han. Yet, in true fighter fashion, both women handled the outcome with grace and respect, setting the stage for what could be an even more compelling second act.

For now, the WBA lightweight title stays with Stephanie Han, but the story between her and Holly Holm seems far from over. With both fighters expressing interest in a rematch and fans clamoring for another showdown, the boxing world may soon get the closure it craves. Until then, Saturday night’s drama in Puerto Rico will be remembered as a testament to the unpredictability—and the enduring spirit—of the sweet science.