Terri Harper Hoping To Silence Alycia Baumgardner on November 13
On November 13, Terri Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) makes the third defense of the WBC women’s world junior lightweight title against Alycia Baumgardner (10-1, 6 KOs) at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England, live on DAZN.
Much of the pre-fight hype has centered on the challenger. From the moment the fight was announced, Baumgardner has not been shy about her intentions. The 27-year-old from Freemont, Ohio threw down the gauntlet, warning that she’s bringing the pain on fight night.
Those fighting words seemed to have aroused the defending champ. Harper is usually unbothered by what an opponent has to say. But on this occasion, she took the time out to respond. The 25-year-old from Yorkshire, England sent Baumgardner a caution of her own.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
“I know a few girls that I’ve fought before have had plenty to say. But as soon as they’re in the ring and getting hit with these shots, it makes you second guess. For me, Alycia’s on mute. I’ve clicked the mute buttons. Not with any distractions on what she’s saying on the run-up to the fight. I’ll just let my talking happen in the ring.
Yeah, I just think I’m going to outclass her, and I’ll show the levels on the night. That’s just not being arrogant. That’s just not being big-headed. I just know that I’m better than her, an all-around fighter.
I personally see her as just ploddy. She’s a bit slow on her feet, and I think I’m just too quick, too fast, too sharp.”
HANDLING THE MOMENT
It will be interesting to see if the moment gets to Baumgardner. Not only is this her first world title opportunity, but it’s also her first fight outside the United States. From a skill perspective, Harper is the best opponent she’s been in the ring with. If pre-fight talk means anything, the fighter nicknamed “The Bomb” is on a mission to leave the ring with a world title wrapped around her waist.
Harper is highly motivated as well. 130-pounds is becoming one of the high-profile divisions in women’s boxing. Her promoter, Eddie Hearn, has eyes on unifying the division. She was to face WBA women’s junior lightweight champ Hyun-Mi Choi in May of 2021. However, the bout was canceled after Harper suffered a hand injury. If the WBC champ hopes to reschedule the contest with Choi, she must get past Baumgardner and make her eat her words.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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