Terry Harper is adamant that “bad ego” and conditioning will lead to rival Caroline Dubois’ downfall.
Harper and Dubois will meet live on Sky Sports on Sunday to unify the WBO and WBC lightweight world titles.
The build-up to the Easter showdown at London’s Olympia has been rocky, but Harper believes it has only put more pressure on Dubois.
“I really think she has a bad ego,” Harper declared. “She really believes in that. She has to follow everything she says on game night. I think that puts added pressure on herself.”
“She would look stupid. She would look stupid if she didn’t do everything she said. She added even more pressure.”
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Caroline Dubois lashed out at Terry Harper during a February press conference ahead of their April 5 lightweight world title unification bout.
Harper also believes Dubois knows how to approach their fights and expects his opponent to come out early.
“That’s going to be the strategy. That’s the only thing she can do,” Harper told Sky Sports. “I truly believe I’m better than her and I can be strong in the second half of the game.
“Every time she gets in a fight, she disappears. It’s because of her ego. She tries to take credit for her work. Her work rate is lazy.
“Her engine is one of (her weaknesses). She really falters late in the fight,” Harper continued. “I told her that if she couldn’t get me out in the first half of the game, she lost.”
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Caroline Dubois vows to bring back Terry Harper’s nightmare in world title unification match on April 5th
Harper has already won world championships in three weight classes, but Sunday’s victory will undoubtedly be the biggest of her career.
“This is the fight I’ve always wanted. It’s a big fight. I’m on a big stage and I’ve got a great promoter behind me, so it’s what I’ve always wanted. Now it’s here for me to grab and run with,” Harper said.
“I saw her grow and move up the rankings and I knew it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed and we were here.
“Caroline seems to think it’s the end of my career, but I’m at the peak of my career and I believe now is the perfect time for this fight to happen.”
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Sky Sports Boxing’s Andy Scott covers everything you need to know about the lightweight unification fight between Caroline Dubois and Terry Harper on April 5th
Dubois still has his sights set on unifying the titles, a goal that is arguably uncontroversial, all of which are accomplishments Harper is trying to make his own.
“That’s my dream too,” she said. “There are still great opportunities and great fights left. You haven’t seen my back yet.
“It’s definitely about coming together. I think every fighter’s dream is to be undisputed. For me, it’s just big fight after big fight. That’s all I want.”
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terry Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday 5th April.
