Latest news with #TerriHarper
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
WBO lightweight champion Terri Harper reveals free agent status, eyes unification with Caroline Dubois next
Terri Harper has suggested that she is currently a free agent, with the WBO lightweight champion under the impression she is not tied to any promotion. Represented by Matchroom since signing with Eddie Hearn 's promotion in 2019, Harper's headlining show at Doncaster Rovers' Eco-Power Stadium last week was organised by Izzy Asif's GBM Sports. Matchroom did post a message of good luck on their socials on fight night, but Harper, 16-2-2 (6), believes that she is currently without a promoter. Watch over 150 boxing events a year live on DAZN - subscribe now The Yorkshire-fighter cruised to a win over previously unbeaten Natalie Zimmermann in front of her home crowd, marking the first defence of the WBO crown she won against Rhiannon Dixon in September 2024. Despite lacking a promoter, Harper has a clear vision for the next steps of her career. The three-weight world champion seems set on pursuing a clash with Caroline Dubois for a unification bout. Dubois is the WBC's champion at lightweight, with the pair trading words as a demonstration of their willingness to share a ring. Touted as one of Britain's best boxing prospects, 24-year-old Dubois is represented by Ben Shalom 's BOXXER promotion. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Harper shared: 'I believe I'm a free agent. I'll have a little break away and speak with my team. We have an offer in for Dubois, but nothing's confirmed. I gave so much to this sport over the years, and I want to see what the best offers are for me and what's going to financially do the best for my career as well.' Despite currently being without a promoter, Harper was quick to thank Asif and GBM Sports for enabling her to headline a card in her hometown of Doncaster. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. See Schedule ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. She added: 'I'm grateful for Izzy and GBM for creating a special moment for me in my career.' Harper appears confident that a fight with Dubois could be made in the coming weeks, with the duo clearly keen on facing each other. '[Dubois] rubs me up the wrong way – she gets my fire burning,' Harper continued. 'I hope that's what comes next. I'll wait and see if any contracts turn up over the next few weeks.'
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Harper vs Zimmermann: The unbeaten prospects on the undercard
Terri Harper is set to defend her WBO lightweight title tomorrow night against Natalie Zimmermann at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster. The Doncaster fighter will defend the WBO belt she acquired last year, beating Rhiannon Dixon over ten rounds to become a three-weight world champion. She goes up against Natalie Zimmermann, an unbeaten yet untested fighter from Germany. The undercard is stacked with more homegrown talent looking to make a statement in South Yorkshire. Here is what you need to know about the unbeaten prospects on the supporting cast. Joe Hayden Joe Hayden, 17-0 (1 KO), is a football convert, having made the move to boxing due to a knee injury during the Covid-19 pandemic. The man from Conisbrough was picked up by Dave Allen, who has been Hayden's manager since his debut in 2022. Hayden said to the Yorkshire Times last year: 'It's thanks to my manager Dave Allen, the 'White Rhino', that I've had so many bouts and I appreciate his faith in me. I began serious training on Dave's patio three years ago, and I've got more drive now than ever. ' This fight with Booth will be Hayden's first over eight rounds and he is hoping that it is the next step on his way to challenging for his first title. He said: 'I trust Dave [ Allen ] totally. He'll decide when it's time for me to step up to eight rounders and then maybe next year I'll be looking at a ten-round area title fight challenger' Ebonie Jones Originally a kickboxer from Portsmouth, Jones, 6-0-1, started boxing when she was 12 and had a successful amateur career with a record of 60-5, winning the European U-22 championship in 2018 and competing at the world championships later that year. After taking a brief hiatus from the sport in 2019, Jones returned to the ring as a professional in 2021, beating Vaida Masiokaite on points at Wembley Arena. A draw in her second fight was quickly rectified with five consecutive wins. Jones trains out of the Steel City Boxing Club in Sheffield and said this was a move for the good of her career. She told BBC Radio Solent: 'I moved up here to concentrate on my boxing. I was on Team GB in Sheffield before, so I know the area a bit, but I do miss my family back home.' In her last outing, the former kickboxer beat Consolata Musanga for the Commonwealth Silver featherweight title via unanimous decision. Now unbeaten in her first six fights professionally, Jones is taking a step down in weight but a step up in opposition when she takes on Tysie Gallagher for the British and Commonwealth super bantamweight titles. Ellie Hellewell Ellie Hellewell, 6-0 (1 KO) is another of the Yorkshire natives on the undercard. She has campaigned at featherweight but will move down to super bantamweight this Friday and trains out the Steffy Bull gym in Conisbrough, alongside the headliner Terri Harper. She had a short career as an amateur but won a national title in 2021 before quickly turning over to the paid ranks to make her debut in 2022. The 24-year-old has curated a record of six fights unbeaten and one knockout. She will now have her fight ten-round fight against Stevi Levy as a final eliminator for the Commonwealth super bantamweight title that Ebonie Jones will challenge for later on the card. Watch the very best boxing with a DAZN subscription DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Horrendous' – Moment boxer Terri Harper clashes heads with Natalie Zimmerman to leaves her with horror ‘blood mask'
The 42-year-old was somehow allowed to keep fighting BLOOD SPORT 'Horrendous' – Moment boxer Terri Harper clashes heads with Natalie Zimmerman to leaves her with horror 'blood mask' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NATALIE ZIMMERMANN was left with a horrific gash on her head after her world title fight with Teri Harper. The German challenged the Doncaster destroyer for the WBO women's lightweight title at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night. 6 Natalie Zimmermann locked horns with Terri Harper for the WBO lightweight title on Friday night Credit: PA 6 The German suffered a horrific cut in the final round of the ten-rounder Credit: PA 6 The cut was caused by a nasty clash of heads Credit: DAZN 6 Zimmermann was permitted to continue but was unable to get the win Credit: REUTERS Zimmermann turned in a spirited display but was outclassed for 10 straight rounds on her way to suffering a unanimous decision defeat. And the 42-year-old suffered a horrendous cut in the final round thanks to a nasty clash of heads. The deep cut was just above Zimmermann's right eye and leaked enough to prompt the referee to call a timeout. But the ringside doctor deemed the cut not worthy of a TKO stoppage and allowed Zimmermann to see out the last minute and fifteen seconds of the round. Commentator Adam Smith said of the cut: "Oh it's horrendous. "A bloody mask as Terri Harper continues to throw quality shots. "And Zimmermann, how is she still standing? Zimmermann was unable to land the Hail Mary punch she needed to end Harper's reign as WBO queen, with all three judges turning 99-91 scorecards. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 6 Terri Harper retained her WBO lightweight title via unanimous decision Credit: REUTERS The win on home soil stretched three-weight world champ Harper's record to 16 wins, two defeats and two draws. And the 28-year-old has set her sights on a domestic dust-up with her WBC counterpart, Caroline Dubois. Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport She said of a showdown with Dubois: "Yes. 100 per cent, that gets my fire burning. "I said in the press conference she rubs me the wrong way. "I think it makes a cracking fight and it makes sense. "This was a very special night for me, very special training camp. "Massive thanks to my opponent for putting on a great show in my hometown. "She's tough. She started strong, I thought I needed to stay switched on. 6 Terri Harper is eyeing a domestic dust-up with Caroline Dubois Credit: GETTY "Once I let the nerves settle and the occasion settle, I found my way in the fight. "It's given me memories I will treasure for a lifetime. "Not just in my boxing career, but as a person away from the sport. "I don't know what's next. "For me, I want to go on to fight the other champions of the division and really step up. "I'm going to take some time off and see what happens, see if any contracts get sent over, get back to my team and work out a plan."
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Horrendous' – Moment boxer Terri Harper clashes heads with Natalie Zimmerman to leaves her with horror ‘blood mask'
NATALIE ZIMMERMANN was left with a horrific gash on her head after her world title fight with Teri Harper. The German challenged the Doncaster destroyer for the WBO women's lightweight title at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night. 6 Natalie Zimmermann locked horns with Terri Harper for the WBO lightweight title on Friday night Credit: PA 6 The German suffered a horrific cut in the final round of the ten-rounder Credit: PA 6 The cut was caused by a nasty clash of heads Credit: DAZN 6 Zimmermann was permitted to continue but was unable to get the win Credit: REUTERS Zimmermann turned in a spirited display but was outclassed for 10 straight rounds on her way to suffering a unanimous decision defeat. And the 42-year-old suffered a horrendous cut in the final round thanks to a nasty clash of heads. The deep cut was just above Zimmermann's right eye and leaked enough to prompt the referee to call a timeout. But the ringside doctor deemed the cut not worthy of a TKO stoppage and allowed Zimmermann to see out the last minute and fifteen seconds of the round. READ MORE BOXING NEWS Commentator Adam Smith said of the cut: "Oh it's horrendous. "A bloody mask as Terri Harper continues to throw quality shots. "And Zimmermann, how is she still standing? Zimmermann was unable to land the Hail Mary punch she needed to end Harper's reign as WBO queen, with all three judges turning 99-91 scorecards. Most read in Boxing JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 6 Terri Harper retained her WBO lightweight title via unanimous decision Credit: REUTERS The win on home soil stretched three-weight world champ Harper's record to 16 wins, two defeats and two draws. And the 28-year-old has set her sights on a domestic dust-up with her WBC counterpart, Caroline Dubois. Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport She said of a showdown with Dubois: "Yes. 100 per cent, that gets my fire burning. "I said in the press conference she rubs me the wrong way. "I think it makes a cracking fight and it makes sense. "This was a very special night for me, very special training camp. "Massive thanks to my opponent for putting on a great show in my hometown. "She's tough. She started strong, I thought I needed to stay switched on. 6 Terri Harper is eyeing a domestic dust-up with Caroline Dubois Credit: GETTY "Once I let the nerves settle and the occasion settle, I found my way in the fight. "It's given me memories I will treasure for a lifetime. "Not just in my boxing career, but as a person away from the sport. "I don't know what's next . "For me, I want to go on to fight the other champions of the division and really step up. "I'm going to take some time off and see what happens, see if any contracts get sent over, get back to my team and work out a plan."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
World champion Harper calls out Dubois after routine win
England's world lightweight champion Terri Harper cruised past the overmatched Natalie Zimmermann to defend her WBO title in front of a spirited home crowd in Doncaster. The 28-year-old dominated from the opening bell, picking her opponent apart without ever really threatening the stoppage. German Zimmermann, 42, became a sitting target and ended the fight badly bloodied because of a clash of heads at the Eco-Power Stadium. All three judges scored it 99-91 as three-weight world champion Harper extended her record to 16 wins, with two defeats and two losses. Afterwards, Doncaster's Harper called for a unification fight with fellow Briton and WBC lightweight champion Caroline Dubois. "That gets my fire burning. I said it the other day in the press conference, she rubs me up the wrong way," Harper said. With the boxing world in mourning this week, there was a poignant moment when those in attendance applauded a 10-bell salute in memory of boxer Georgia O'Connor, who died aged 25 on Thursday. O'Connor lost her battle with cancer and was a hugely popular figure among her fellow fighters. The event was hosted by relative newcomers GBM, in what was the promotional outfit's first stadium card and world-title headliner. After each fight on the main undercard went to points, Harper made her ring walk at the late time of 23:10 BST. Nicknamed 'Belter', she entered to Gerry Cinnamon's folk song with the same title. Several fans had already left, but those who remained gave her a hero's welcome. The gulf in class was apparent as early as the first minute when a left hook from Harper drew chants of "Yorkshire" from the crowd. The former super-featherweight and light-middleweight champion pinned Zimmermann on the ropes and was landing to the head and body. Hamburg's Zimmermann had won all 13 professional bouts, having only started boxing aged 37, but in Harper she faced someone who had gone toe-to-toe with world-class operators such as Natasha Jonas and Alycia Baumgardner. Zimmermann's will to win did not match her talent as she rushed in her punches and struggled to make any openings. She did land a solid uppercut in the sixth as a dejected Harper began to cut a frustrated figure. Blood poured down from Zimmermann's head after the accidental head clash in the final round, but Harper - who before the fight said she would be disappointed with a points win - could not find the telling blow. After years of jumping up and down the divisions in search of big fights and accolades, Harper seems comfortable at lightweight and is confident of halting the hype of the unbeaten Dubois. Dubois, 26, has long been considered as the future of women's boxing, and predicted she would make Harper "crumble" in a potential unification fight. "That fight makes sense," Harper said, adding she will now take a short break before pursuing unification fights. If the Dubois bout does not materialise, Harper may target IBF champion Beatriz Ferreira or WBA title-holder Stephanie Han. "I want to go on to fight the other champions and really step up", she said. Boxing schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
