Philip Holiday

Philip James Holiday (born 23 May 1970 in Benoni, South Africa) is a professional boxer in the junior middleweight (160lb) division. Holiday turned pro in 1991 and captured the Vacant IBF Lightweight Title in 1995 with a win over Miguel Julio. He defended the title six times before losing the belt to Shane Mosley by decision in 1997, in a fight dominated by Mosley. In 2010, at age 40, Holiday made a comeback to the ring winning the Australian Junior Middleweight Title.

Professional career

Philip Holiday would begin his professional career on 18 April 1991, scoring a technical knockout against Timothy Kabene in the second round. Twenty-three more consecutive wins would follow, and he would challenge Miguel Julio for the vacant IBF lightweight title. Holiday would dominate the match before Julio's corner would stop the fight in the eleventh round. Holiday would defend his title successfully six more times, including a second round stoppage of Australian featherweight champion Jeff Fenech, and a decision over Ivan Robinson.

Holiday vs. Mosley

Holiday would defend his title against lightweight knockout artist Shane Mosley. Despite a brave performance from Holiday, he was thoroughly outboxed by the bigger, stronger, and younger challenger. He would lose by a unanimous decision.

Holiday's career never recovered after losing to Mosley, winning eight, losing six, and a single draw against relatively uninspired competition. He would retire in 2003 before making a comeback seven years later in 2010, winning a fight and losing one, before retiring for good.

Preceded by Oscar de la Hoya Vacates

IBF Lightweight boxing champion 19 Aug 1995 – 2 Aug 1997

Succeeded by Shane Mosley

See also

• List of IBF world champions

External links

• Career boxing record