WBC/WBO Lightweight Unification
Last night’s MVP/Sky Sports Main Event between WBC Lightweight Champion Caroline Dubois (13-0-1, 5 Kos) and WBO Lightweight Champion Terri Harper (16-3-2, 6 kos) was an intriguing technical bout that took some time to unravel but eventually got going once the rounds started to progress at London’s Olympia.
Dubois’ speed and power were key as she was met with a bigger opponent in size and reach in Harper, who knew exactly how to stick that jab. The first few rounds were slow as both combatants were trying to establish themselves inside that squared circle.
Once Dubois managed to get on the inside pocket of Harper, the landscape of the bout completely changed as Dubois started to work her counterpunches with her speed from close range that started to do some serious damage to Harper’s face and body.
In the sixth round, Dubois was able to land a well-placed left hand that chinned Harper and dropped her to a standing 8 count. It was from that moment that Harper took a step back and looked hesitant in the following rounds and only stood her ground in short spurts.
That being said, Harper did throw caution out the ring in the tenth round and fought toe-to-toe but by that time the end result was already sealed. After 10 completed rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 98-91, 98-91 and 97-92 unanimously for Dubois.
With this very convincing win under her belt, Dubois unified the Lightweight Division by retaining her WBC Lightweight Title and picking up the WBO Title from Harper and being awarded the Ring Magazine Belt for good measure.
Congratulations Caroline. Well done, you’ve earned this one, hands down!
Blaze
