Ringside Report: Caroline Dubois Defeats Terri Harper To Become The Unified World Lightweight Champion

Ringside Report: Caroline Dubois Defeats Terri Harper To Become The Unified World Lightweight Champion

It was a little harder than many expected, but Caroline Dubois defeated Terri Harper at the Olympia in London on Sunday night to become a unified world lightweight champion.

The scores were perhaps a little harsh on Harper, who I thought boxed with discipline and composure throughout. But it was Dubois who I thought was winning enough rounds to have her hand raised. The first half of the fight was cagey. Neither fighter landed too many punches. Harper clearly boxing to a game plan to take the fight into deep waters hoping that Dubois would fade in the closing rounds. The game plan was working to a point, but Harper wasn’t landing enough shots of her own. The opening three rounds were close. I gave Harper the 4th. The Denaby fighter started to land shots of her own. But I just felt that it was more safety first, and I had her behind even though it was close enough for some debate.

Dubois was missing a lot even into the 5th, but it all changed in that pivotal 6th round. Harper was badly hurt and dropped towards the end of the round, and more than arguably the bell saved her. Harper survived the 7th as Dubois started to move through the gears. The 8th was another bad round for Harper. She was clearly hurt, but she bravely stood her ground and didn’t fold like many thought she would.

Harper sensing her WBO title was slipping away from her started to let her hands go in the final two rounds. Her right hand started to land, but Dubois stood her ground, even though I thought she was starting to fade somewhat. I gave Harper the final two rounds. But it was too little too late.

I was impressed with Harper, even in defeat. Many, including me, thought Dubois would get it done inside the distance. Harper was boxing to orders in the early stages waiting for the storm that never quite came. But Harper deserves credit for that.

But it was Dubois who was winning the fight, despite Harper getting her tactics right. The loser will disappointed, but her performance indicates that she will come again. Could she go to 140 and win a world title in a fourth weight division. She just might.

Dubois won and moves on. At 25, her peak is still in front of her. She is a supremely talented fighter, but she has flaws, and is not yet the finished article. Alycia Baumgardner remains the target. Dubois might need one more fight first.

Photo Credit: Most Valuable Promotions