About nine years ago I started to notice the success of the UNM women's basketball team. As their success increased I found myself paying more and more attention to newspaper articles about the team and eventually decided to check out one of their games. That is how it started for me as I have now gone over seven years without missing one single home game for our beloved Lady Lobos, and I even have attended my share of road games. I have become so addicted to following this team that I even skipped out on a family funeral to attend a game, and yes, I did get in some trouble with the family for that! This has been the same story for countless other sports fans as the UNM women's basketball team has grown to become one of the most successful women college basketball programs in the country for fan support.
Are there male sports fans that will only go to any type of female athletic event only because they find the female athlete or athletes attractive, you bet! Are there marketing folks that will capitalize on that, yep, there sure are! In fact Holly's fairly recent bout with Mia St. John was touted as the battle of the knockouts. Mia St. John is a very good boxer, but the fact is many boxing fans may know her more for her Playboy Magazine photos. Is there marketing pressure on Holly to capitalize on her looks, and make no bones about it, she is an attractive young lady, in order to draw enough fans for greater financial rewards? Of course there is, that is the world we live in. Is capitalizing on appearance necessary for fame and fortune as a female boxer? I sincerely believe the answer is no because the girl can flat out box. She also has character, and the character of UNM women basketball players has been a key factor in the community support of our Lady Lobos. From my time spent interviewing Holly's parents it is pretty evident her upbringing has contributed to her character, but upbringing does not guarantee good choices will be made, and visa versa as good people have risen from poor environments. But influences do make a difference and she has the support and influence of some very good people in her life, from her family to her trainer. Much of this article will be about those influences as well as Holly herself. This article will be written in three installments. This first installment will consist of a few questions I asked Holly and the answers she graciously gave me. The second part will run sometime after her bout this coming Saturday. We will learn more about the "Holm Team", the people that influence her boxing and her life as well as more about Holly herself. The third installment will run sometime next fall. In the final part I will explore the views of our Lobo fans concerning Holly's boxing career. Would these fans ever attend one of her bouts, how many Lobo fans already are Holly Holm fans and why, and what would draw more fans to her bouts and what keeps some Lobo fans away are going to be questions asked. Before getting into the questions and answers part of this interview I want to encourage you to check out Holly's web-site. Her bio section will give you a lot of great information about her boxing career. I also recommend reading a recent Trib article by Chris Cozzone called In the alphabet soup of belts, Holly Holm proves plenty hearty. Chris provides very good information about the various titles (belts) of boxing as well as touching on the popularity of Holly as a boxer. Throughout this project I will provide photos of Holly and the people around her, as well as photos of her bout this coming Saturday. To view these photos go to my web-site and then click on the menu item named "Holly Holm Boxing". OK, now that you have read Holly's biography from her web-site and know more about her impressive boxing accomplishments, read on to know a little more about Holly.
A. Experience plays a huge factor in boxing. Simple things like when a fighter rushes you and you get trapped in a corner or against the ropes can make you panic. In my beginning fights I would sometimes brawl when the pressure was brought on me. And you give a few but also take a few when fighting like that. I know over time I have learned to stay calm and play it smart and try to pick my punches to avoid opening up and brawling with them. Don't get me wrong- I still get hit but not as much as before I gained a little bit of experience. Preparing for fights gets to the point to where you know what routine works for you-such as when to eat, what you eat, when to take your nap, how long to sleep without over sleeping, and other simple things. Over the course of my career I have learned the right routine to cutting weight which helps out a lot. I've learned when to eat my last meal before weigh-ins, when to stop my water intake etc. All of these things are simple and small factors but play a major role in a boxing career. I know I have learned to deal with my nerves a little better as my career progresses, and by all means that does not mean I don't get nervous! I will never step in the ring without feeling nervous-never! But how I deal with my nerves is what makes a difference. I believe it is good to be nervous to a certain extent because if you got in there too relaxed that can damage you for that fight. You also don't want to waste all your energy on being so nervous that by the time you get in there you are drained. And, of course, with experience comes perfection of skill. I have improved so much in my movement and speed. I constantly am trying to perfect the basics as well. I don't know how many times I have gone back to the basic jab. The day I think I know enough and don't have the want to learn more is the day I need to retire!!!! However, I know I will always be perfecting my punches even when I retire because I plan on doing this type of workout to keep in shape forever. These are all things that have played a factor in my boxing career as I gain experience but may not be for another boxer. I know experience plays a big part in how you perform in the ring so I was very very nervous to fight Christy Martin. I had confidence that I had what it takes as far as skill and speed but always had that question, "Am I going to be able to perform this out in the ring when the time is here?" Augh! The games I play inside my head! Youth, strength and agility play a roll but I know people in their 40's who can kick my but so I don't put too much on that. Power is good. I like to have a combination of that and speed because you can be the hardest hitter but if someone is faster than you, they can beat you to the punch and make you miss that power punch altogether. Q.This is a related question to the one just asked. Your 7th pro fight was against Angel Martinez who described you as a "wild boxer". She said, "anyone can throw wild punches and overwhelm you". Sounds to me like words of a poor loser, but does lead to my question about your boxing style. Has your style changed since you first started boxing and do see your style still changing as you gain even more experience?
Q.There are contact sports and then there are CONTACT sports! From reading your bio and seeing you on TV after a fight, it is not hard to see why some feel boxing is a brutal sport. How long does it take to recover from a bout and is boxing really that much more brutal than so many other contact sports? A. My biggest injury to this day is from soccer. I injured my knee. So I tend to think that this sport can be brutal but I think anything in life can put you in danger- even driving your car. This has to be the most challenging sport and it is taking multiple blows to he head. I have been knocked out in a kickboxing match before and I have once had 17 stitches under my eye from an elbow followed by a head butt. So I would be silly to say this sport isn't brutal. It is definitely a CONTACT sport. But I love it!!!!!!!!!! Q. If I am not mistaken I read that you will now be in a heavier weight class. What kind of challenges is this going to pose for you? A. Not all of my fights to come are going to be in a heavier weight class. There are a few opponents that will be heavier ( and no way could I go any lower than 140 which is the weight in which I hold my belt.) but I am not moving up in weight permanently. It can make some difference. Moving up in weight can mean you are going to be up against somebody taller or stronger. It can also mean that they can be slower. It just depends on your opponent. Now everybody asks about Laila Ali, she weighs 28 pounds heavier than me. That's not just a little jump in weight. That would definitely be a fight in the future….and not the near future! Q.Nearly all your bouts have been in the Albuquerque area. What determines the site of your fights, is it wins and losses or fan draw? A. Albuquerque fans are great and so supportive. If I didn't have them wanting to buy tickets I couldn't fight. Because New Mexico loves boxing it works out for me to be here. Isleta had the faith in me and put out the money the first go round to hold my fight there. Headlining the card and all. Because of that there is some loyalty to them. However we plan to fight wherever it is best in my career and I do hope to travel a little bit. Q.Your next bout is scheduled for June 10th. Can you give us any details about your next opponent? A. Lisa Holewyne. She has a pretty impressive record and quite a bit of experience. We will fight at 147 instead of my usual 140 so she will be a little bigger than some of my recent opponents. She is a tough opponent though and we will be making a whole different plan of attack rather than against the shorter opponents with the shorter reach. (editors note: Per Mike Winkeljohn, Holly's trainer, Holewyne is ranked #1 by WBAN at 154 and #1 at 147 by IFBA. She has a large upper body but hopefully will not be able to keep up with Holly's speed or footwork.) Q.What individuals have helped your career the most and would you mind elaborating on how they have helped you? A. I can't express how blessed I am to have Mike Winkeljohn as my trainer. He has the skill and he knows how to teach it. Some people can box but don't have it in them to teach and vise versa. My family is so supportive. My brothers put me through hell when we were young! Just kidding- well not really kidding- I guess not hell but they were rough and didn't let me get away with being a baby about anything. I don't know whether to thank them or pay them back for all the times they rough housed with me!!!!!!
Q.Your fan support seems to be growing as your success grows. Does having a large contingent of fans at your bouts give you any kind of an edge? A. I love the fans!!! Every fight I get chills from head to toe when I get in the ring and they are ecstatic! Never fails. I was just watching a fight tape today and when they announced my name and I could hear, on the tape, the fans yelling for me I still got chills. I love that they love it. Makes me want to impress them. Makes me want to fight harder……….for them. Q.Holly, if you ever had any opportunity to spend time being involved with Wolf-Bytes, you would soon realize how different this sports media venue is compared to other print or internet venues. The Wolf-Bytes family is committed to giving unconditional support. In other words, if you started to struggle our support would increase instead of diminish because we feel that is when our support is needed the most. How important to you is this kind of support? A. That kind of support is tremendously important. I can't explain enough! My career would literally be impossible without the support of fans and local media etc. I would have to find a new career!!!!!!!!!!! And I don't want to do that!!! I take it to heart when people are so supportive. I genuinely care about all who support me. I thank you all too Q.From reading your bio that is posted on your website, it is apparent your mother still has reservations about your involvement with boxing. There probably are many other parents who could have the same reservations if their daughters told them they wanted to box. What would you tell these parents if you had the opportunity?
Q.To excel in any sport it is important to be very goal orientated. What were your original goals when you started boxing and has your success caused you to revise your goals? If so, how? A. To win! And now I know what I have to keep doing to keep my career rolling. I hate to lose. Winning is my goal. Yes, learn on the way, but my goal with each and every fight is to win. My original goals were school but I wasn't even studying, causing me to get bad grades and the one thing I did put time into was starting to pick up so there was my change in goals. I then wanted to make the best of my boxing career. Q.I know this question is often asked in interviews and I will ask it because I often find the answers interesting. What would you like your fans to know about you that is probably only known by a few that are close to you? A. I am clumsy with a lot of things. I lock my keys in the car all the time. I do knit, sew, cook and bake. I love my cat. I love to dance even though the sight of it might be embarrassing. I love to eat and hang out with friends. And every fight there is always the day I cry because I feel nothing is going right and my teammates know to just give me a hard time about it. Call me a big baby hit me a little harder when we spar…………no Im kidding…….. they are so supportive and know I can have an emotional day once in a while. Plus they just don't want to get beat up! :) Q.It seems like you have had success after success in your boxing career. Are there any setbacks or disappointments you have had so far and if so how did they affect you? A. Nothing is a setback! I believe each experience is for learning whether you believe it to be good or bad and there is no way I could explain every learning experience. Q.Just about anything in life worthwhile requires sacrifices, and very often the biggest obstacle is the financial sacrifices required. What types of financial costs are there for anyone interested in boxing. What are the potential financial rewards, especially for women boxers? A. I may make more money if I had pursued school but I know I wouldn't be as happy- thus far any way. I know I will find something besides my boxing career at some point. However, I can't complain. My boxing career has finally started to support me and we are looking for sponsorship to help out a little more. There are many costs because time is money and the amount of time invested into one fight is unreal. But I love it. Of course there is the equipment the fees for this and that. There is also my time I need to give back to the public. Q.You have a natural aggressiveness that has contributed to your success, and this trait is often a key trait to do well in any sport. My guess is you could have done well in any sport you chose to pursue, so what is special about boxing? A. Well I have always been aggressive. I love to fight. I actually even enjoy the feeling I get when I connect with a solid punch that I know hurt. That's just the fightin' Irish I guess. Really, I don't know where the aggressiveness all comes from. My upbringing was to always put your heart into what you choose to do. If you're going to box, you better be wanting it. You've got to be aggressive. This sport requires no less. I have always been competitive. With my brothers my friends and any opponent in any sport I have played. I don't think there is any other way to live life but to take charge of it. Q.This is a related question to the last one asked. In order to excel in anything in life you need to have a passion for what you are pursuing. Would you mind sharing what is behind your passion for boxing that may not have been addressed in the last question? In other words, is there something more that drives you to succeed in what you are doing? A. The more I succeed the more I feel expectations and demands of that success. But that is what keeps me going. It's a challenge and I thrive for that. I love challenges in life. Even if I complain about it, I would be bored if those challenges were non existent. Q.Your dad is a minister for a fairly conservative Church of Christ denomination. Being a fairly conservative Southern Baptist myself, I am aware of the fact that there are some "church people" as well as some non-church people who may feel like it is un-lady like to box. Assuming you share your dad's beliefs, how would you respond to those who feel women should not be involved in boxing or athletics in general?
Q.What are your plans for life after boxing? A. Still brainstorming. I want to have a family and kids. However I would love to travel a little before being bound with the responsibility of children. As far as a career I am still brainstorming. Sometimes news broadcast, sometimes real estate, and sometimes I think I would enjoy cosmetology. Maybe be an esthetician. Well have to see! Thank you Holly for your insights! There is so much more to her than what these questions have revealed. Yeah, she wants to hurt you in the ring, but she would be the very first person to help that same opponent outside the ring if she ever needed help. Holly has a heart as big as her punch and is a very caring person. Part 2 will reveal more about Holly the person so stay tuned because there is more to come!
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There is another similarity to what has drawn me to our Lobo women's basketball team and is what is drawing me to offer support for Holly, in fact this similarity is a major reason why I want to do this interview. I strongly believe this same reason is behind the success of the UNM women's basketball program, and is a factor in the community support of Holly Holm. Believe it or not (hear this ESPN!) there are people in this world that love to support female athletes for their character and performance instead of their sexuality and looks! Any Lobo women's basketball game is proof of that! 
Q.From reading your bio it seems to me your win over Christy Martin has to be a highlight of your young career. Martin, up to your fight, was 46 - 3 - 2 with 32 KOs, while your record stood at 10 - 1 - 2 with 4 Kos. You were obviously fighting a very experienced opponent. How much of a factor is experience in boxing compared to other factors such as strength and agility?
A. I have tamed my punches a lot since that fight. It does make a big difference. My footwork for one is so much better than it used to be. In any case, that was a lot for Angel Martinez to say after I beat her unanimously and by plenty of rounds. I beat her hands down on that fight when she gave that comment yet I still said she was a tough fighter. And I still think she gave me one of my better fights. 
My father works in my corner and just lets me do what I trained for. He encourages without putting added pressure or telling me what I need to do in the ring. He leaves that up to my trainer Mike Winkeljohn. My mother is a massage therapist and helps keep my body in the right shape to keep up this career that I've chosen. My dad, being a preacher, has helped with my psychological game. He always puts things into perspective for me. I can't even begin on the many friends that support me- I'd be writing a 10 page essay. And of course the fans. If they didn't want to watch what would be the point in me wanting to become a better performer! 
A. I think my mother knows I wouldn't be as happy if I were doing something else. Even though she worries about me, she knows it is what I love and that is what matters to her. I think any parent should feel the same. I am so thankful my parents didn't form me into the daughter they may have pictured before I was born! They let me come into my own. They let me be who I wanted to be and I am a happier person for that! The only time I think a parent should push against it is if they see that their child may not be fully into the sport. It takes a lot of dedication and heart and it is impossible to have this kind of a career if you don't put the time it takes into it. 
A. I think boxing has nothing to do with my "morals" or femininity. It does not affect my relationship with God. I know my whole life is under a microscope and people will always pick at something to make it look like I am a falling Christian but God knows my heart and I know where I stand with my relationship with him. As Christians we are all sinners. My life just happens to be on display. This is just the career I have chosen. There are plenty of business people in the church, right? My career is just different. Being a preachers daughter my life was always under a microscope anyway so I guess I kinda get used to every one's opinions. 