Dubois defeats Harper in WBO match to consolidate lightweight championship

LONDON — Caroline Dubois concluded her rivalry with Terri Harper by securing a unanimous decision victory on Sunday, earning the WBO lightweight title and becoming the unified lightweight champion.

Entering the match with the WBC title, Dubois triumphed with scorecards reading 98-91, 98-91, and 97-92.

The contest began cautiously, resembling a chess match as both boxers took their time to establish their rhythm, with Harper displaying good movement while Dubois had difficulty finding her distance.

The fight intensified when Dubois connected with a solid left hand at the end of Round 6, sending Harper to the canvas. The bell rang before the action could continue, and Harper managed to recover well in Round 7, but Dubois’ confidence surged as she sought further openings.

Round 8 delivered the excitement fans anticipated, with both fighters exchanging effective punches; Dubois continued to unleash her left hand and flicked her jab, resulting in a cut above Harper’s left eye.

Realizing she may be trailing on the scorecards, Harper gained momentum in Rounds 9 and 10, advancing towards Dubois as the bout evolved into a brawl.

Harper achieved success with several powerful right hands and landed a clean left hook just as the bell rang for Round 9. She then increased her output in Round 10, but it was insufficient to sway the judges.

Heavyweight champion Claressa Shields, who was present with Dubois prior to the match, lifted the newly crowned unified lightweight champion onto her shoulders in the ring post-fight as they celebrated together.