Holly Holm’s explosive response to the controversial defeat has fans reeling

Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP via Getty Images

Holly Holm’s explosive response to the controversial defeat has fans reeling

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated May 31, 2026 3:41 PM ET

Holly Holm missed out on regaining a boxing title, and the reaction to the judges’ decision was far from positive.

After their first fight ended with a controversial no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads, Holm got another chance at Han in El Paso. The County Coliseum was packed, and Amanda Serrano matched Christy Martin’s KO record in the co-main event.

But Holm couldn’t reclaim a title she last held 13 years ago. Han took it by majority decision, with two judges scoring it 96-94 and one calling it even. Fans were quick to voice their frustration online, calling the result a ‘robbery’.

Holly Holm knew she needed to make a strong case for a shot at Katie Taylor at Croke Park this September, and while she put on a solid counter-punching display against the unbeaten Texan, it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

Holly Holm still eyes Katie Taylor bout despite loss to Stephanie Han

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

This time around, Holm looked sharper and more composed, controlling exchanges and landing clean counters. But as happens too often in boxing, the scorecards favoured the local fighter. The majority decision left fans frustrated and raised questions about what’s next for Holm.

Holm felt she had done enough to win but was quick to note that she wasn’t making excuses. She acknowledged Han’s skill but didn’t agree with how the fight was scored.

“I feel like I was dictating the pace. I do feel like she won a few rounds, but not six,” Holm said after the fight. “You have to win six rounds to win a ten-round fight. I don’t give her six rounds.”

She continued: “I feel it in my heart that I won. I’m an honest and self-reflecting fighter. If I don’t feel I won then I’ll say it, but I did.”

“Here’s what’s frustrating about it; a lot of these judges haven’t fought before,” Holm added. “You leave a piece of yourself in there every time and then it’s just up to them to take it away from you if they want.”

Despite coming up short on Saturday night, Holly made clear that her goal hasn’t changed: facing Katie Taylor is still very much on her mind.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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