Holly Holm lost a controversial majority decision to Stephanie Han in their lightweight title rematch in El Paso on Saturday night and left the door open on her future, saying she wants to keep fighting if the judging is fair.
Han was outlanded in punches 102-70 but won on two of the three scorecards, 96-94, with the third judge scoring it a draw at 95-95. Holm, 44, believed she had done enough to become a four-division world champion.
“Honestly, I feel like I won that fight. Not any disrespect to Han, but I felt like the fight was mine. I felt I was dominating the pace, bringing the pressure.”
Han acknowledged the closeness of the fight while crediting her home arena.
“I know it was a close fight, but I felt I did enough to win. I wasn’t surprised how she brought the fight. I knew she was prepared.”
The bout was a rematch of a January technical-decision victory for Han in Puerto Rico that ended due to an accidental headbutt cut. Both women had been competing to earn a shot at undisputed super-lightweight champion Katie Taylor at Croke Park in Ireland. Han immediately called for that fight.
“I want Katie Taylor. She beat my sister Jennifer. I want the revenge fight. I’ll go to Ireland.”
Holm did not commit to fighting again after the result.
“I want to keep fighting if it’s fair.”