"El Paso's Sweetheart" Jennifer Han made history on Saturday night at the Don Haskins Center with a unanimous decision over Helen Joseph to win the IBF World Featherweight championship.  Han became the first boxer from El Paso to win a world championship.  The judges all agreed that Han's performance was superior by scoring the bout 97-92, 98-92, 98-91.

Han was the constant aggressor throughout the fight, landing more power shots and finishing each round strong.  From the beginning of the fight, Han established her jab to set up her power shots and fought a strategic defensive bout by allowing Joseph to chase her on numerous occasions.  Joseph's one bright moment in the fight came in the third round when she knocked down Han with a right to the top of her head.

When asked about the knockdown Han said it was a slip, and it appeared that Joseph may have even stepped on Han's foot, but never the less it was still ruled a knockdown.  Han rebounded from the knockdown by dominating the remainder of the fight.  Her foot work was remarkable, and she even absorbed several of Joseph's power shots which never seemed to phase her.  Jennifer wore Joseph down with her speed and agility, and she continued to pile up the points on her way to winning a world championship.

The eager crowd awaiting the Han vs. Joseph fight. (photo by Brandon Cohn)
The eager crowd awaiting the Han vs. Joseph fight. (photo by Brandon Cohn)
loading...

The crowd was thrilled and shouted "Jenny, Jenny, Jenny" throughout the bout to show their support for Han.  Following the fight Han thanked the fans for their support and humbly said, "I didn't win this, we all won this."  Helen Joseph, who traveled all the way from Ghana for this bout said she would like a rematch.  Han also mentioned that she would love to defend her title here in El Paso.

Jennifer Han celebrates following her bout with Helen Joseph. (photo by Brandon Cohn)
Jennifer Han celebrates following her bout with Helen Joseph. (photo by Brandon Cohn)
loading...

There have been many great boxers to come out of El Paso, but Jennifer Han is truly in a class of her own by winning a world championship.  It is a true feel good story, and couldn't have happened to a better person.

"

More From 600 ESPN El Paso