Alycia Baumgardner upsets Terri Harper to win the WBC super featherweight title!
A lot was on the line for Terri Harper (11-1, 6KOs) as she made the third defense of the WBC world super featherweight title against Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (11-1, 7KOs) at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. Harper captured the belt by defeating Eva Wahlstrom in February 2020.
Harper’s title reign has been plagued by a series of hand injuries. The 25-year-old has not fought in a year as a result. Despite those issues, she’s been a valuable commodity with Eddie Hearn, who has big plans in store for the women’s 130 pound division.
Harper faced a Baumgardner who came into the bout brimming with confidence. From the fight’s announcement to the intense stare-down during the weigh-in, the 27-year-old promised to bring hellfire and brimstone. During the pre-fight lead-up, Baumgardner said she intended to make the champ suffer and come home a world champion.
BRING THE PAIN!
After an opening round that produced mild action, the one bright spot for either fighter was Baumgardner’s left jab. The challenger from Michigan would consistently pump the jab in the champion’s face who was insistent on doing nothing other than following her opponent around the ring. The power was on display for The Bomb in round two after she briefly shook up the WBC champion with a big right-hand.
After easily sweeping the first three rounds, Baumgardner would empathically close the show and win her first world title in very impressive fashion! After countering a lazy jab from Harper, the Detroit, Michigan native would fire-off a beautiful counter right-hand that left Harper stiffer than over-starched pants. Sensing that the former champion was severely hurt and clearly unable to continue, the referee would jump in to stop the fight.
Kudos to Alycia Baumgardner who promised pain and victory in the lead up to fight. She made good on her word, and now she moves onto greener pastures. However, Eddie Hearn revealed that there was a rematch clause in the contract. It will be interesting to see if Harper exercises it. Especially considering the one-sided nature of fight number one.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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