'Champion' Doncaster boxer Terri Harper given future path despite defeat to Caroline Dubois in London
Terri Harper may have gone the distance with Caroline Dubois but again needs to pick herself up from the canvas.
The 29-year-old from Denaby Main stepped into the ring with one of the sport’s burgeoning stars at London’s Olympia on Sunday (April 4), succumbing to a points defeat.
It was unanimously decided Dubois was the victor and even the most ardent supporters of ‘Belter’ could not argue with the verdict.
25-year-old Dubois, who took the WBO lightweight title from Harper to put it alongside her WBC crown, is now looking towards a dream battle with the legendary Katie Taylor.
Harper, meanwhile, is licking her wounds. It is something the Doncaster fighter has already done on two occasions, having roared back from painful losses to Alycia Baumgardner and Sandy Ryan.
She may be given the opportunity to bounce back as part of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, who staged the battle with Dubois as their first UK event.
“Kudos to Terri Harper,” said MVP’s CEO Nakisa Bidarian, as reported by The Star. “What a champion.
"It's been an honour to work with her and we said to her, we want her to continue to be involved in MVP."
Terri Harper’s defeat to Caroline Dubois
Dubois was the aggressor in the capital, taking the fight to a defensive Harper.
The walls initially proved hard to break down but blows soon started to slip through the guard of ‘Belter’. Dubois’ tank was questioned in the build-up but she continued to look fleet-footed and explosive as a bloody-faced Harper absorbed punishment.
Harper’s intelligence drew praise from Dubois as tensions that had simmered cooled post-fight.
“Women's boxing has always been on the backburner but today it has been on the forefront,” said Dubois. "Terri had a good showing and showed why she is a very good boxer.
"From my side it was never personal, it was personal for Terri. She's smart and she's experienced.”
Harper’s record may have been blotted again but she looks to have a future with MVP.
She has leapt back to her feet before – and must now do so again.