WBC super featherweight champion Terri Harper open to rematch with Natasha Jonas after enthralling split-decision draw at Matchroom's Fight Camp

The pair headlined the second of four events which have been organised by Matchroom to take place throughout August, with all cards staged in promoter Eddie Hearn's back garden.

It was the first world title fight between two British women and one which certainly lived up to the billing.

Harper retained her belts after the fight was ruled a split-decision draw, with both boxers going blow for blow in a gripping contest which went the distance.

All three judges were split, with Harper winning 96-94 on one card while another judge scored the bout 96-95 in favour of the challenger.

The final scorecard called the bout 95-95 after 10 rounds, meaning Harper kept hold of her titles at the first time of asking.

It was only Harper's 11th pro fight and is one which she says she will take a lot from.

"The earlier rounds, I know it didn't look like I was doing much, but I was trying to stay on the outside and pick and poke with Natasha," said the Doncaster-born champion.

"I caught her with some good backhands and she caught me good at times. I hurt her and she hurt me a few times. That's boxing.

"I am disappointed with my performance but then I have got to think, I am 23-years-old, I had 16 amateur fights and that was my 11th fight on the big stage.

"I went out there and dug deep. I just want to thank Tasha for an excellent fight, that was a big learning fight for me.

"I will be back in the gym soon for the next one."

Harper was crowned world champion for the first time in February and added: "I learnt a lot from it, I was being lazy and kept getting caught with the backhand.

"I just didn't seem to wake up but like I said I have only had 11 pro fights now so I have got a lot to learn and I have learnt a lot from that."

Jonas caught Harper with a vicious right hand in the opening seconds of the eighth round but the champion recovered to reach round nine and finish the fight.

"I felt it, I felt my legs go a little bit. I just listened to my corner, I held on and tried to recuperate," added Harper.

"I knew when I got back to the corner I had to suck it up and dig deep for the last two rounds."

Only two of Jonas's 10 previous bouts had gone the distance, with seven of the strong-punching southpaw's nine wins coming by way of knockout.

"I knew she was a tough opponent but I didn't expect her to come out like that," admitted Harper.

"She has clearly put it all into that training camp and fighting for a world title she was always going to come out and give it her best."

Jonas celebrated at the sounding of the final bell, feeling she had done enough to claim the world title.

The judges saw it differently, however, but when asked if she would be keen for a rematch she responded: "A million per cent I will do that again."

Promoter Eddie Hearn hailed the effort and determination of both fighters after a close-fought and exciting contest.

He felt the the only thing missing was the roar of the crowd.

"Tonight I have seen one of the best fights I have seen live. Imagine that in a packed arena in Liverpool or Sheffield, I thought it was absolutely incredible," said Hearn.

"We are trying to push the women's game but you can't do it without the product and women's boxing is right up there. What a fight.

"We have to see that fight again."

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