Holm's next opponent talks the talk

ISLETA PUEBLO, N.M. (KRQE) - Typically at a news conference to announce an upcoming women's boxing match there isn't a whole lot of smack talk, but Tuesday's introduction of six-time world champion Holly Holm's next opponent hardly fit the formula.

Holm, who is 24-1-3 with seven knockouts, will face Melissa "Hurican" Hernandez of New York City Dec. 4 at Isleta Casino and Resort. Hernandez is 11-1-2 with four knockouts.

While fight promoter Lenny Fresquez was speaking about the fight, Hernandez interrupted him with this outburst.

"I want to say something right now," Hernandez said. "I'm no Mary Jo Sanders (former Holm opponent and women's champion).

"I'm Melissa 'Hurican" Hernandez. I am women's boxing. You don't need any sanctions to prove I'm No. 1. I have proved it time and time again and will prove it again Dec. 4 on Holly's butt."

But Hernandez wasn't done.

"I'm sorry about everybody praising Holly," she said. "I think she's a beautiful woman. She's a fantastic person. But this is my game and she will learn this is my game."

During the posedown between the two fighters, Hernandez stuck her tongue out at Holm. Holm remained calmed during the exchange.

Afterwards, Holm reacted to Hernandez's antics in an interview with KRQE News 13.

"She's a colorful fighter, colorful talker," Holm said. "It's all expected, so we knew she was going to be like that.

"It's never been different with any other fight she's had, so why would it be any different with me? It doesn't get under my skin or anything, but I definitely don't want to lose to a fighter like that."

Holm said Hernandez's act would not affect her pre-fight workouts in any way.

"I'm more concerned with what she does than what she says," Holm added. "I just want to perform well and focus on that in the gym."

Holm will have a considerable reach advantage in this fight. Holm is 5-foot-5 and Hernandez is 5-foot-3. Hernandez reminded Holm of another of her past opponents, former champion Christy Martin.

"She was disrespectful in thinking, I've been in the ring 50 times and she thinks she can fight me," Holm continued. "I think that actually hindered her (Martin's) performance.

"I've been up against a fighter like that before. I knew that if I perfom all that wouldn't matter."

"She's (Hernandez) is a great fighter and has good skills. I don't take anything away from her. She's definitely going to be a tough fight."

Joining Holm on the six-fight card will be Albuquerque bantamweight David Proa (6-0, 6 KO's) and Albuquerque light flyweight Jodie Esquibel (5-4-1). Their opponents are yet to be announced.