London:;A composed and clinical performance from Caroline Dubois ended in a decisive victory as she outpointed a bloodied Terri Harper to become unified lightweight world champion in London on Sunday night.
Dubois seized control in the second half of a tense contest, dropping Harper in the sixth round with a sharp double jab followed by a left hook. The knockdown proved pivotal in a bout that had been cagey early but burst into life once Dubois increased the tempo.
Harper, a former three-weight world champion, showed resilience despite suffering a nasty cut near her left eye following a clash of heads in the eighth. Blood streaming down her face, she continued to trade until the final bell, drawing cheers for her grit.
However, Dubois’ accuracy and sustained pressure ensured she remained firmly ahead on the scorecards.
The judges returned clear verdicts of 98-91, 97-92 and 98-91, handing Dubois a unanimous decision and adding Harper’s WBO belt to her WBC crown. The Londoner’s unbeaten run extended to 13 wins and one draw, marking the biggest triumph of her professional career.
After a cautious opening, Dubois gradually took command with steady body work before producing the decisive moment. Following the knockdown, she landed heavy southpaw left hands in the seventh and eighth rounds, forcing Harper onto the back foot.
A strong combination in the ninth threatened a stoppage, but Harper rallied bravely in the final round to finish on her feet.
Watching ringside, undisputed champion Claressa Shields urged Dubois on as the momentum swung decisively in the home fighter’s favour.
Speaking after the bout, Dubois praised her opponent’s toughness but insisted she had proved her superiority. The victory not only unified titles but also strengthened her position among Britain’s leading fighters, with potential showdowns against other champions now firmly in focus.
For Harper, the defeat leaves questions about her next move, while Dubois moves forward with momentum — and the division firmly in her sights.
Source: BBC Sports
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