Stephanie Han looks to make up for lost time

In 2011, Stephanie Han was one of the favorites to be on the first-ever USA Women’s Olympic Team to be held in London. 

Prior to the trials, Han felt her heart wasn’t into it and decided to stop boxing and concentrate on her career and starting a family.   

Fast forward to 2021, when Hans’s sister Jennifer was preparing to fight the women’s pound-for-pound fighter, Katie Taylor. Han, who is now married, raising two children, and has her career with El Paso PD, thought since Jennifer didn’t have many choices for sparing, she decided to train and help her sibling get ready for Taylor.  

After months of training and sparring, Han’s trainer Louie Burke saw that Stephanie still had it , and with both Burke and sister Jennifer whispering in her ear to return to the ring, Han decided to give it a try.  

Han is now 3-0 and will fight in her hometown of El Paso this Friday against Kim Colbert. 

If she comes out unharmed, she has a possible fight on 3/25 waiting for her.  

“It was hard to stop back when I decided my heart wasn’t in it and then my family was a little hurt at me for not continuing for the Olympics.” Stated Han.  “My father is Korean and he always brought us up with the traditional beliefs. When I decided to stop, it took him time to forgive me, but now, with his support and my husband behind me, I figured to give it a go.” 

Louie Burke has had a very good stable of fighters under his tutelage, including former Jr. Middleweight Champion Austin Trout, Han’s siblings, brother Abie and sister Jennifer. Once he saw Stephanie and Jennifer sparing holding her own, he felt Stephanie should return. 

“I always knew she was one of the best when she was an amateur, but once I saw her sparring when she was helping prepare Jennifer for Taylor, I had to let her know she still had it and could make some noise.” Says, Burke. “The key now is to keep her busy and see how far she can go.  

The March 10^th fight card will be held at the El Paso County Coliseum, with seven fights slated on the card. Promoted by Isidro Castillo.