Terri Harper Completely Confident of Victory Over Sandy Ryan
Terri Harper (14-1-2, 6 KOs) is just days from her March 23 battle against reigning WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan (6-1-1, 2 KOs). A battle of reigning world champions, Harper believes she can easily win.
WHY DROP DOWN TO 147?
Ryan versus Harper will occur at welterweight, with Ryan’s WBO title on the line. The current WBA champion at 154, Harper’s last outing was a draw against future Hall of Famer Cecilia Braekhus in October 2023. Some boxing community members have asked why the junior middleweight champion decided to move down in weight.
During an interview with Matchroom Boxing, Harper said her body is more comfortable at 147. The 27-year-old from Yorkshire, England also said it’s an opportunity to become a three-division world champion and that a win puts her in a position for big-money fights in the welterweight division.
WELL-ACQUAINTED WITH ONE ANOTHER
With both champions hailing from England, there’s plenty of familiarity. Harper knows what she’s up against in Ryan. The WBO champion is a skilled fighter and a mean body puncher. That was evident in her disputed draw with reigning WBA welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill in September 2023.
While Ryan is a rugged fighter who is always on the attack, Harper is much more of a boxer who likes to use the ring. The junior middleweight champion has fast hands, a good left jab, and is an excellent combination puncher.
This matchup, featuring two fighters in their primes, is a significant matchup not only in Great Britain but also for women’s boxing. Harper feels she’s the one who has the advantage. The woman from Yorkshire brings more experience at the world championship level and believes the victory is hers for the taking.
“If the best version of myself turns up on the night, then I beat Sandy comfortably, and I see my hand being raised and the new, three-weight world champion.”
