In what turned out to be the perfect boxing venue, El Paso's first world champion Jennifer Han defeated sixth ranked Calista Silgado at Southwest University Park to retain her IBF World Featherweight championship.  It was almost as if boxing was meant to be at El Paso's downtown gem, as 4,312 fans witnessed Han defend her title in the Sun City, marking the first time that has ever occurred in a city that has countless boxing enthusiasts.

Han dominated the bout from start to finish as she punished Silgado with a relentless barrage of jabs which dictated the pace of the fight, and kept the Columbian off balance all night long.   The speed, movement, agility, and defensive skills of Han was simply too much of an obstacle for Silgado to overcome.

There was numerous occasions where Silgado tried to display her knockout power, as she had nine coming into the bout, but missed virtually every power shot.  When it was all said and done, Jen swept all ten rounds en route to a 100-90 unanimous decision.

Jennifer Han vs. Calista Silgado at Southwest university Park. (Photo by Brandon Cohn)
Jennifer Han vs. Calista Silgado at Southwest University Park. (Photo by Brandon Cohn)
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Han's record improved to 14-3-1, following the fight she noted that her team would like to fight at Southwest University Park again in the near future.  The crowd, which chanted "Jenny, Jenny, Jenny" in the 10th round, was energetic, enthusiastic, and helped continue El Paso's rich boxing tradition, proving that the Sun City, and Southwest University Park, is a perfect place to host a huge championship fight.

The crowd wrapped around both dugouts, including the upper level, the WestStar Bank Club, and occupied numerous suites as well.  When I asked Han about her thoughts on her performance, and what it was like to fight at Southwest University Park, she mentioned, "I'm so happy for the victory, I followed my game plan, this is a great boxing venue.  I hope we do it again here, loved the crowd."

Photo by Brandon Cohn
Photo by Brandon Cohn
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It is a virtually certainty that there will be many more significant boxing matches in the future at Southwest University Park, don't be surprised to see Han defend her title there again in the near future.  Jen continues to make El Paso proud as the cities' first world champion.  She is the perfect role model, humble, and proud to fight for her home town.

 

 

 

 

 

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