Holly Holm will challenge for a world title for the first time in 13 years as she faces off against WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han this weekend.
Holm is a -235 favorite in the boxing odds, while Han is a +172 underdog. Here are my Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm predictions and free betting picks for Saturday, January 3.
Han vs Holm prediction and pick
- My fight prediction: Holm moneyline (-235 at FanDuel)
- My best bet: Holm moneyline (-235 at FanDuel)
Fight analysis
Holly Holm returned to the boxing ring after a legendary run in women’s MMA last June, looking as sharp as ever, shutting out Yolanda Vega in 10 rounds.
She figures to be in a tougher fight against the younger champion Stephanie Han, but it’s the kind of fight that Holm, even at an advanced age for combat sports, can win.
Holm’s return to the ring didn’t come with any ring rust, as she fought similarly to how she operated in the octagon.
She used deliberate movement, minded her spacing, and delivered sharp counters that she set up with her footwork and solid head movement. Holm demonstrated excellent conditioning as well, not being too far removed from her time in the octagon. The amount of experience the former three-division champion possesses across two combat disciplines makes her a fascinating fighter to watch.
Han might feel slighted coming into the fight as an underdog. She’s an undefeated champion who works behind a lot of activity and forward movement, and she came off the canvas in her last fight against Paulina Angel to dominate the fight and win on the scorecards.
While Han is the younger fighter and has shown grit, she’s stepping up in class to fight a capable veteran who believes she can go on one last run for a title.
Holm looked sharp against Vega, staying off the ropes, pumping her jab, and controlling the tempo from start to finish. Han could have success if she turns this into a high-volume fight, but she doesn’t have the power to discourage Holm, and her willingness to fight openly leaves her vulnerable to counters.
Holm should be able to manage distance behind the jab, bait Han into overcommitting, and neutralize her momentum with clinches and positioning. Holm is the pick.
Best best analysis
Neither Holm nor Han is known for knockout power, though Han was dropped early in her last fight. Holm is economical with her movement and unlikely to force exchanges, but she should be able to frustrate Han and keep her from finding a rhythm.
Holm on the moneyline is my best bet.
Stephanie Han vs Holly Holm odds
| Method of victory | Stephanie Han | Holly Holm |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | +172 | -235 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +700 | +500 |
| Win by points or decision | +270 | -125 |
| Draw | +1100 | +1100 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of December 31.
Stephanie Han vs Holly Holm tale of the tape
| Han | Holm | |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Age | 44 |
| 5-foot-7 | Height | 5-foot-8 |
| Lightweight | Weight Class | Lightweight |
| N/A | Reach | 69 inches |
| 11-0 | Record | 34-2-3 |
| 3 | Wins by KO | 10 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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