Terri Harper defeated Rhiannon Dixon by unanimous decision, securing the WBO world lightweight title and becoming a three-weight world champion. The fight concluded with scores of 96-94, 97-93, and 97-93, marking a significant milestone in Harper’s career.
The 27-year-old Harper, who had previously held world titles at super-welterweight and super-featherweight, added the world lightweight belt to her collection. Harper described the victory as the pinnacle of her career, stating, “That’s the best one of my career. I’ve become a new fighter mentally and physically.” During the match, Harper faced a challenging moment but managed to recover swiftly.
Rhiannon Dixon, who was defending the world title for the first time after her win over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in April, fought valiantly. However, Harper’s resilience and skill ultimately led to her triumph. Dixon’s effort in the match was commendable, but Harper’s strategy and execution were superior.
In a separate incident related to the boxing world, Harper’s former opponent, Sandy Ryan, lost her WBO welterweight world title to Mikaela Mayer in New York. Ryan was hit with red paint before the fight, which she linked to Mayer’s team. Despite these accusations and the tension leading up to the bout, Mayer emerged victorious, winning by a majority decision.
The fight between Harper and Dixon adds to the history of significant matches in women’s boxing, highlighting the competitive nature and the evolving landscape of the sport. Harper’s achievement underscores her dedication and determination to excel across multiple weight categories.
Terri Harper’s victory over Rhiannon Dixon not only secured her status as a three-weight world champion but also demonstrated her mental and physical fortitude. This win reinforces Harper’s position as a formidable force in the boxing world.
