Imagine the buzz surrounding a superfight between two legendary athletes, only to have it fizzle out before it even begins. That’s exactly what’s happening with Katie Taylor and Ronda Rousey, as the highly anticipated matchup seems to have hit a dead end. But here’s where it gets interesting: Taylor isn’t sitting around waiting—she’s already eyeing her next big challenge, and it’s not who you’d expect. According to insiders, the undisputed 140-pound boxing champion is now setting her sights on a different icon: the 44-year-old Holly Holm, a boxing Hall of Famer who recently made a stunning return to the ring after a 12-year hiatus. And this is the part most people miss: Holm’s comeback fight against Yolanda Vega wasn’t just a warm-up—it earned her a shot at the WBA women’s lightweight title in January 2024, setting the stage for a potential Taylor-Holm showdown that could rival the hype of the original Taylor-Rousey idea.
Earlier this month, BoxingScene broke the news that negotiations between Taylor and Rousey were underway, with plans to pitch the bout to Netflix and split the purse evenly. Taylor, with a record of 25-1 (6 KOs), and Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion who only lost to all-time greats like Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm, seemed like a match made for the headlines. But skepticism from industry heavyweights like UFC’s Dana White and Most Valuable Promotions’ Nakisa Bidarian cast doubt on Rousey’s readiness to step back into combat sports after such a long absence. Is Rousey truly ready to face a twice-undisputed champion like Taylor? It’s a question that divides opinions, and one that Rousey herself seems in no rush to answer, given her freedom to explore opportunities at her own pace, especially with her ties to WWE and the new Zuffa Boxing promotion.
Taylor, however, remains enthusiastic about the possibility of facing Rousey someday. Speaking at the WBC Convention in Thailand, she praised Rousey as an iconic figure in women’s sports, highlighting her mental toughness and Olympic judo background. ‘It’s a fight that would capture the imagination of fans,’ Taylor said, emphasizing her openness to matchups that appeal to all generations. Yet, with Rousey’s return uncertain, Taylor’s focus has shifted to Holm, whose recent victory and upcoming title fight make her a compelling next opponent. Given Netflix’s success streaming Taylor’s trilogy fight against Amanda Serrano—which drew 6 million global views—a Taylor-Holm matchup could be another streaming blockbuster, though Holm’s January fight against Stephanie Han will air on DAZN.
But here’s the controversial part: Is the boxing world missing out by not pushing harder for Taylor-Rousey? Or is Taylor-Holm the smarter, more realistic choice? Rousey’s star power is undeniable, but her readiness for a high-stakes boxing match remains a question mark. Meanwhile, Holm’s proven track record and recent success make her a safer bet for Taylor’s next fight. What do you think? Is Taylor making the right move by pivoting to Holm, or should she hold out for a Rousey matchup? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
