By: Herman Delgado
Stephanie Han had the glare and was all business, and that was just in the dressing room prior to her taking center stage as the co-main event versus Destiny “Too Sweet” Jones out of Austin, Texas, in the School of Hard Knocks Promotions event at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, this past August 12th. Han easily earned a four-round unanimous decision over the tough and experienced Jones in their four-round fight. It wasn’t an easy fight for Han, it was the way she prepares for her fights that makes them look easy to those in the stands. In this fight against Jones, Han had her way and dictated the pace throughout the four rounds. Han’s aggressive style and power were just too much for Jones, and for the last part of the round she was on shaky legs and grabbed on to Han to survive the round.
I spoke with her sister Jennifer (former IBF Featherweight World Champion), and she praised her younger sister, “You know if I hit as hard as Stephanie, I would still be world champion!” Stephanie and Jennifer have different styles, but make no mistake about it, they both share the heart of a champion and world class skills
Training camp is always a rigorous routine for Han. Mentally and physically preparing for her fights is something that consumes all her time and energy, but she’s so grateful for her family’s support in her journey to the top. “I’m 31 now….I feel great, I really feel great, I’m mentally stronger which helps me physically and I’m able to push myself. I’ve definitely grown a lot mentally since my amateur days. Becoming a mother and becoming a cop has helped me and has pushed me to my limits during my training and I’m more appreciative in training, because I look back at my younger days and it makes me realize the struggles my family went through,” said Han. “I look back when I was in my 20s…I have always respected my family, but I really never understood what it was to appreciate the effort and support they put towards me.” You don’t get to understand the mentality that plays into the boxing part of Han’s life, but I truly respect her work ethic and her commitment to her family, that makes her the fighter that she is…a true professional. “I have a special needs daughter and that really makes me work harder. I really want this is because I want this now. I understand the struggles so my training is because I want to be there!,” said Han. “I’m not going to be wasting my time, because my time is very limited. I give 100% during my training. The only way someone is going to beat me is because they’re better than me, it’s not going to be because I give up…and that’s not going to happen!”
Stephanie’s is scheduled to fight on November 12, 2022 at the Inn Of The Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, NM. I’m sure the Han Family will be ringside, as well as her biggest fans, husband Abner Gracia, son Joshua (7), and daughter Josie (5).