(DEC 1 ) Will a Huracán take New Mexico by storm and create one of the biggest upsets in women’s boxing? Or will Holly Holm weather the Huracán and emerge the champ of the battle of Bad Blood with her WIBA and NABF titles secure? Boxing experts, trainers, fighters and journalists all offered their comments and predictions for the "Bad Blood" battle between Holly Holm and Melissa Hernandez on December 4th, 2009 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jackie Kallen, First Lady of Boxing: This is a really intriguing match-up. The girls are close in age, both have one loss, and both have faced good opposition. I give Holly the edge, though, because of her size, her experience (twice as many fights), and the hometown advantage. I know they will both come to fight and they both expect to win.

Billy Calogero, Host, Talkin Boxing With Billy C: I think this fight not only has the elements to be a great one, I think it also has the potential to help gain some notice for women's boxing in general! On one hand, you have Holly Holm, who is as consistent as can be. Add to that the fact she loves to, AND actually DOES, perform exceptionally well in front of her hometown fans so she should come into the fight feeling comfortable. She has a substantial height and reach advantage which will enable her to use her above average jab to set up power shots. She needs to use her size and jab advantage AS an advantage and not fight "small".

I call Melissa Hernandez a Chameleon because she adapts to anything! Despite moving up two weight classes, she feels that there will be no size issue. She trains many fighters and feels she can adjust on the fly because she is able to see things both as the fighter and as the trainer. She will be aggressive and try to rough Holly up on the inside.

I think the fight will start out going Holm's way, however the fearless Hernandez will turn this fight into what SHE needs it to be....a BRAWL. She will succeed in getting inside and will work the body and land the power shots needed to make Holly back pedal and once that happens, she will take control of this fight. I am taking the underdog here with Melissa Hernandez. I think she goes into Holm's backyard and will leave with her Title in a GREAT fight that will scream REMATCH.

Rita Figueroa, former WIBA Americas Lightweight Champion: I am hoping Melissa Hernandez wins as she truly defines the sport in fighting anyone, anytime. Holly Holm is good as well, but Hernandez is a take-no-prisoner kind of fighter, which I personally like. If anyone can do it - she can. I know, regardless, it will be a good fight.

Arnie "Tokyo" Rosenthal, "A Ring of Their Own": There's an old boxing adage that "a good big woman will beat a good little woman". Perhaps this will hold true in the case of Holm and Hernandez but make no mistake, this will be Holly's toughest fight to date. Melissa will not give any ground but will likely have to chase Holly and may not have a plan B. Holm by close decision.

Judi Abate, Boxing Diva, mightygloves.com: My head tells me Holly Holm will win but my heart tells me Melissa has a fighting chance. If I was a betting woman, I say Holm by unanimous decision.

Bruce Silverglade, Gleasons Gym: Melissa has a tough fight on her hands. I predict that Melissa will stop Holly in the 8th round. Melissa knows that Holly has a big hometown advantage, and she must get the KO to win there. Melissa only has one KO but still has twice the KO percentage that Holly has. Because of this and her absolute desire to beat Holly, she will be fearless.

Trina Ortegon, New Mexico Sports Authority and former IFBA Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion: Dare I say anything can happen in boxing? Anything is what Hernandez is going to need against Holm. Many smaller fighters have been underrated or underestimated against the larger fighter. Prime current example is Pacquiao but Hernandez is no Pacquiao. Not at least in terms of speed, power, or movement. However, Melissa has made the right decision in regards to moving her training camp to Denver for altitude. She can never be counted out but this fight is simple math. Holly is at the top of her game and is bigger, stronger, faster, and always comes in prepared with the right plan. Nevertheless, ladies, let’s have a good competitive fight and hope that no one gets seriously injured. After all, it is boxing.

Terry Washington, Boxing Trainer: Holm has the size, it's in her hometown, she really has the most power, she is used to the high altitude. I think Hernandez has a lot of heart, and has the better skills of the two but I think the size and the fact that Holm is a southpaw is going to give Hernandez a lot of problems as well. Holm is not an aggressive fighter and in this fight she definitely doesn't have to take any chances. Hernandez is going to have to be the aggressor and do some things to offset Holm in order to win the fight. I don't think she has the power to slow Holm down. Also packing on that extra weight is going to slow Hernandez down. Holm by decision

Jeannine Garside WBC International featherweight champion: Both women put on excellent performances. My heart says Hernandez, and my head says Holm. It’s always difficult to win by decision but anything could happen.

Chris Cozzone, writer, NewMexicoBoxing.com, fightnews.com: I predict an easy victory for Holly Holm and possibly a late stoppage if Melissa Hernandez trades with her. Size is too much an issue in this fight.


The predictions have been made, and the fighters are ready to approach the ring and prove who is the pound for pound best in the battle of "Bad Blood". View the fight live via webcast or see it in person to enjoy a night of toe-to-toe women’s boxing action, which promises to be the “Fight of the Year”.

"Bad Blood" featuring Holly Holm and Melissa Hernandez" is a joint promotion by Fresquez Productions Inc., and Isleta Casino and Resort. Tickets are available through Fresquez Productions, 8218 Louisiana Blvd. NE , Albuquerque , NM 87113, 505-884-7484 and via the internet at isleta-casino.com). For more information and updates view fresquezproductions.com  and www.hollyholm.com.