Holly Holm Recounts Tense Face-to-Face Rules Meeting With Referee Before Puerto Rico Boxing Match

Holly Holm said a referee conducted her rules meeting in a locker room before her first fight against Stefanie Han in Puerto Rico by sitting face to face at close range throughout the session. Holm stated the referee opened the meeting by asking if she had any questions. She replied that she had none and was ready to proceed.

The referee then told Holm there are no elbows allowed in the sport. Holm confirmed she understood the rule. The referee asked whether Holm came from mixed martial arts. Holm answered that she did but added she had boxed previously and assured the official she would follow the rules.

The referee responded by pointing to his head and saying the issue was "in here," while leaning closer to Holm during the exchange. Holm told the referee she would not throw elbows because it was a boxing match. She later said she remained polite during the meeting because the referee could affect the outcome of the fight.

Holm described the exchange as the most unusual rules meeting she had experienced and noted that some people in boxing view fighters with MMA backgrounds with suspicion.