Terri Harper returns tonight, after a year when she feared her career
might be over, to defend the superfeatherweight world title against
Alycia Baumgardner in Sheffield.
Harper underwent surgery to graft bone from her hip and insert six
screws in her right hand after two breaks. The first came in her last
defence of her World Boxing Council title against Katharina Thanderz
12 months ago. The second was a bizarre accident, when she twisted her
hand opening a jar that forced the cancellation of a unification fight
with World Boxing Association champion Choi Hyun-mi in May.
“It’s been a long year; I had a tough time after the operations but
here we are back on the main stage, and it feels like we haven’t been
away,” Harper said.
“Even though I haven’t boxed for a year I’ve been in the gym nonstop,
working, developing myself as a fighter, not just physically but
mentally.
“I’ve never shied away from a tough fight. I’ve fought girls with
winning records, former world champions, reigning world champions,
that’s the reason why we chose Alycia. She’s a tough and respectable
opponent, I want to be out there making a statement.”
As Eddie Hearn, Harper’s pro moter, explained: “Terri Harper sits on
the verge of a mega fight with Mikaela Mayer for the undisputed
championship but has a very, very tough fight against Baumgardner.”
The American has chalked up 10 victories, with six knockouts and one
defeat, while Harper is undefeated in 12 contests.
Elsewhere on the Sheffield Arena card, Kid Galahad makes a home coming
world title defence of the International Boxing Federation
featherweight crown, headlining against perennial contender Kiko
Martinez, of Spain.
“It took me a long time to get here, and I just can’t wait,” Galahad
said. “Kiko’s been at this level for 15 years. Name me another fighter
who’s been at the world level, or just below it, for that time. I’m
not going to leave it to the judges’ hands, I’m going to seriously
hurt him.”