Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper Engage in Heated Exchanges Before Title Unification Bout
The English lightweight champions, Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper, have engaged in frosty exchanges ahead of their highly anticipated title unification fight scheduled for 5 April. The showdown will headline an all-women's boxing card at London's Olympia, marking a significant event in the UK debut of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
Dubois Stands Firm on 'Irrelevant' Remark
Caroline Dubois, the 25-year-old WBC champion, has doubled down on her recent claim that Terri Harper is "irrelevant." During a press conference held at the venue where they will compete, Dubois elaborated on her stance, stating, "I called her irrelevant because I believe that she is. I'm not focusing on Terri Harper – I never have and I never will. I'm focusing on the belts, I'm focusing on my future, I'm focusing on my legacy."
She emphasized that her primary goal is to become the undisputed lightweight champion, adding, "My legacy starts with becoming undisputed at the lightweight division. Unfortunately for Terri, she's the one holding the belt, so that's who I've got in my mind, but if it was anyone – and I mean anyone – it wouldn't matter. My energy would be the same, my intensity would be the same, my mindset would be the same, my work ethic would be the exact same."
Dubois further dismissed Harper's relevance by comparing her to a fictional character, saying, "Honestly, it wouldn't matter if it was Terri sitting there, if it was Godzilla sitting there; I would have the same energy. They've got the belt, and that's all I care about."
Harper Maintains Composure Amidst Provocation
In contrast, Terri Harper, the 29-year-old WBO title-holder, kept a cool head during the exchanges. She responded by saying, "She's doing a great job selling the fight, she's doing my job for me, so I'm just being my authentic self. I'm here, I'm enjoying the moment, it's a great opportunity for myself."
Harper highlighted the importance of focusing on the fight itself, noting, "All of this [today] means nothing, it's what happens on the night. One hundred per cent [I'm being overlooked]. I've been there in my career before, where I've been looking at future fights before I've even done the fight in front of me. That was a mistake that I had to learn the hard way, and I feel like Caroline's doing that. I'm not here for her respect, but I feel like she's massively overlooking me and she thinks it's gonna be an easy night."
To this, Dubois smirked and retorted, "It is gonna be an easy night," further disputing the relevance of Harper's experience by citing her compatriot's draw with Natasha Jonas and losses to Alycia Baumgardner and Sandy Ryan.
Training Camp Jibes and Fighter Records
The tension escalated when Dubois suggested she hadn't trained this week, claiming her camp is yet to begin. Harper quickly fired back, "You've got some catching up to do," adding another layer to their rivalry.
Caroline Dubois enters the main event with an impressive record of 12 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, including 5 knockouts. Terri Harper boasts a record of 16 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 6 knockouts. Their clash promises to be a pivotal moment in the lightweight division.
Star-Studded Undercard for London Event
The 5 April card, broadcast on Sky Sports, features a lineup of English talents beyond the main event. Chantelle Cameron, a former world champion, will fight for the vacant WBO super-welterweight belt. Ellie Scotney will defend her unified super-bantamweight titles, and Emma Dolan will challenge for the IBF super-flyweight strap. This all-women's event underscores the growing prominence of female boxing in the UK.
As the fight date approaches, the exchanges between Dubois and Harper continue to build anticipation, setting the stage for a memorable night of boxing in London.
