Terry Harper will happily let Caroline Dubois do the trash-talking and “humble” her younger rival when the two face off in the ring on Sunday.
Harper said the biggest fight of Dubois’ young career awaits as the pair unify for the WBO and WBC lightweight world titles, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The heated confrontation led Dubois to label Harper “irrelevant” and “pathetic,” with Harper insisting he didn’t like “bullies.”
“I think it’s great, she’s done the job for me and picked fights,” Harper told Sky Sports.
“If we were both similar to my personalities, and I was a little more quiet and reserved and not the type to yell in your face or backtrack with pointless arguments, it would have been a tough sell and a little boring.
“I just like to work hard and do my job in the ring that night. So obviously she’s young and I feel like she hasn’t really been tested yet. I remember when I was undefeated and I was getting into it and getting a little carried away. So I believe I can humble her a little bit next Sunday.”
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Dubois vows to bring back Harper’s nightmare in Sunday’s world title unification match
Harper, 29, is four years older than Dubois and has a record of 16-2-2, having won the WBO lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Rhiannon Dixon last May.
She has shared the ring with the likes of Alicia Baumgardner, Sandy Ryan, Natasha Jonas and Cecilia Blakes, but her inability to cross the line against famous names was highlighted in Dubois’ series of insults.
Nevertheless, Harper insists on the importance of his experience.
“Through most of my boxing career, I feel like I’ve been ignored. And I know for a fact that working with (coach) Paul (Dulose) the last two years, it’s taken me to the next level. And I know that when I go in there next Sunday, Caroline is going to step into the ring with something she’s never had before,” she said.
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Here’s a teaser for the Dubois vs. Harper episode where the gloves are off
Much of the build-up has centered on the possibility of another step toward dominance for Dubois, but Harper has even bigger ambitions of her own.
“I think the goal for every fighter is to become a world champion, and my goal right now is to be the undisputed figure in the lightweight division,” she continued. “I have belts in multiple weight classes, but right now it’s important to collect belts at lightweight.”
Ms Harper explained how as a child she dreamed of being a Sky Sports headliner. That will become a reality this Sunday as she pursues what could be the biggest victory of her career.
“Oh, this is as good as it gets. That’s when I step back and think, yeah, I’ve probably accomplished everything I ever wanted to accomplish and more than I ever dreamed,” Harper said.
“Obviously the goal is to be undisputed, but for me, after all the things I’ve had to overcome over the years and all the noise outside, to be able to get that win on Sunday is just the best.”
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terry Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday 5th April.
