TERRI Harper’s career revitalisation continued on Friday evening as she dealt with WBO title challenger Natalie Zimmermann over 10 rough-and-tumble rounds. Improving her record to 16-2-2 (6 KOs), Harper’s extra class showed against an opponent who brought plenty of aggression and belief, but little nuance.
That cannot be said for WBC champion Caroline Dubois (above). Last seen defending her title against Bo Me Ri Shin in March, Dubois showed her versatility in boxing and brawling when required. Harper did a bit of both in Doncaster, roared on by an appreciative home audience. A Dubois fight remains of interest.
“That gets my fire burning. I said it the other day in the press conference, she rubs me up the wrong way. That fight makes sense,” she confirmed.
“I want to go on to fight the other champions and really step up,” Harper added, if Dubois cannot be nailed down.
Those other champions are Beatriz Ferreira, who holds the IBF strap at 135 pounds, or Stephanie Han, the WBA queen. Both would provide greater stylistic inspections than rugged Zimmermann, who was nullified 99-91 on all three scorecards.
Describing her city return as a “dream come true”, Harper headlined a solid GBM card on DAZN as Britain’s fast-growing promotional company branches out into stadium events. The next fight at home, or in a neighbouring city, could be a big unification opportunity for Terri.
