Former UFC champion Holly Holm will return to boxing on June 28th in the first fight already booked.
She will compete on the same card where Paul faces Giulio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the main event at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The deal was put together after Holm began pursuing a potential return to the sport after her run at the UFC was over. Holm previously served as Bantamweight Champion, following a stunning head kick knockout via Ronda Rousey in 2015.
With multiple fights still remaining in her contract, Holm was able to request a release from a promotion in the UFC and pursue other options.
Holm ultimately signed with the Global Fight League, but its promotional effect was in and out without having to hold one show.
Regardless of his contract with the GFL, Holm could return to boxing, and was previously intrigued by his career involving multiple championship governance across several divisions, followed by an intriguing international boxing hall of fame. She left boxing with an impressive 33-2-3 overall record.
The 43-year-old veteran is scheduled to compete in a boxing match for the first time since 2013.
In her return battle, Holm faces 10-1 fighter Yolanda Vega in a 10-round lightweight match contested over a two-minute round.
“I’m excited to partner with my most valuable promotion and return to boxing rings,” Holm said in a statement.. “This new chapter is going to be an exciting journey and I look forward to the challenge.. I’m back in boxing for a full return – I spent most of my MMA career at 135 pounds, but now I have the opportunity to make my boxing debut with that weight.
“With three high-weight class boxing titles under my belt, I would like to pursue a fourth title in the new category.”
Holm vs. Vega joins Paul vs. Chavez and in a few more battles the entire card will air on Dazn Pay-Per-View.