(Press Release) “Bad blood” is defined since the first modern use of the phrase in 1832 as “anger or hostility between persons or groups; this term is based on the old association with blood and emotion, particularly anger.” Now, fast forward 177 years to December 4, 2009 when reigning female Welterweight Champion of the World Holly Holm (26-1) faces Melissa “Huracan” Hernandez (11-1) for Holm’s WIBA title at a 140 pound catch weight.

The “bad blood” between Holm and Hernandez stems from their very opposite personal styles. Holly is cool, calm and collected; Melissa has more of a let- it- all hang -out -in your -face -style. Melissa is cocky and talks a lot of smack in an effort to hype herself and her fights. Holly lets her skill do the talking come fight night. Holly believes Melissa and her smack talk are tacky and some what disrespectful. Melissa says that Holly has no style- fighting or otherwise. This makes the competitive blood of both fighters boil. It also present women’s boxing with a compelling match that involves all the elements for a Fight of the Year candidate- skill, heart, guts and determination.

Examining both fighters’ the physical differences is extreme. Holly Holm stands 5’8 with waist length blond hair, blue eyes and girl next door looks. Melissa Hernandez is roughly 5’3, artfully tattooed, dark haired and dark eyed. Hernandez looks like the type that could cause trouble for the wholesome girl next door, and that is her intent during their title clash. “I want to fight Holly Holm,” Hernandez said, “because there’s a lot of talk SHE’S the best female fighter. However, here is my REAL number one reason- she’s nowhere as talented as I am. “I’m a small woman that fights anyone, anywhere,” she continued, “and she’s fought two of my fighters that I currently train, Belinda Laracuente and Ann Marie Saccurato, and my buddy Chevelle Hallback. Many scores I felt were very wrong to favor her. So that’s another reason.”

Melissa is also confident of what she brings to women’s boxing and her role within her sport. “What don’t I bring to it?” she asked. “I’m a show woman. I’m listed as pound- for- pound the best female in the world- Holly Holm is #2 ” she laughed. ” I can fight”, she said, “and I bring the new breed of female boxing- meaning I bring classic boxing to a sport that many thought women couldn’t do. Wake up and smell the coffee- women can box. People that have seen me fight know they’re in for a great show. I bring excitement, savvy and most of all swagger. It’s Melissa time!” Melissa also imparted a little advice to Holly Holm for the night of December 4: “Holly needs to go get sand bags to hold down her house when I come out and then have her rain coat on. There’s a pound for pound “Huracan” coming to New Mexico!”

“Bad Blood” Promoter Lenny Fresquez said this was the first time he had seen Holly Holm hostile toward an opponent. Even though Holm may be feeling hostile, she isn’t giving Melissa Hernandez the satisfaction of showing it prior to the fight. Even though she’s preparing to face a “huracan” the “calm before the storm” Holm is displaying may prove to be deadly.

“I think she is a very tough fighter,” Holly said of Melissa Hernandez, “and she wanted this fight. I am always up for a challenge that is put in front of me and figured this fight would happen sooner or later.”

Holly’s previous experience with Melissa was at an all female card in California, which aired live on Fox Sports Network. “I don’t think she carries herself very professionally,” Holly said. “She was trying to be very cocky and rude but I didn’t put too much mind to it.”

What Holly does put her mind to is winning- as she did on that card against Melissa’s friend and co-trainer Belinda Laracuente and demonstrating why she loves to box. “I think boxing is a sport that takes self determination and motivation and it is all you in that ring,” she said. “A fighter is totally exposed in there, but that is what makes a win even more of a sweet victory. That is why I love it. Yes, there is always the chance of a loss but the risk makes it even more exciting.”

Along with the loving risk and the thrill of one on one competition, Holly brings to the sport of women’s boxing the element of demonstrating what heart and hard work can do; hating to lose brings out the tough competitor in her. Holly acknowledged Melissa Hernandez is a tough fighter and is aware of how hard she campaigned to get this fight with her but issued what sounded like a storm warning to the “Huracan”: “She should be careful what she wishes for”.

“Bad Blood” 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 http://isleta-casino.com/entertain/tickets.cfm). For more information and updates view www.fresquezproductions.com and www.hollyholm.com.