Katie Taylor’s historic homecoming bout against Chantelle Cameron has lost an undercard fight at the very last minute.
Terri Harper was set to defend her WBA Super Welterweight world title against seasoned Cecilia Braekhus, however it has now been announced by Matchroom that the fight is off due to Braekhus waking up unwell.
The promotional company confirmed that Harper would now fight on the undercard of Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood 2 in Manchester on May 27, with an opponent to be announced.
ℹ️ @1LadyCecilia is out of tonight's fight vs Terri Harper with illness.
We wish Cecilia a speedy recovery.@TerriHarper96 will be moved to next Saturday's #LaraWood2 card in Manchester, more details coming soon.#HarperBraekhus#TaylorCameron
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 20, 2023
Harper’s jump in weight classes seems to have breathed new life into her pro campaign, one that was upset back in 2021 by a knockout loss to Alycia Baumgardner in the super featherweight ranks.
Since then, the Doncaster fighter has decisioned Yamila Belen Abellaneda at 135lb and Hannah Rankin at 154lb to win the world title. Braekhus was a solid test – the Columbian-born fan favourite has only lost twice in a 39 fight career spanning 16 years.
Whilst the last minute cancellation is a blow to Harper and her fans, it’s unlikely to stunt the atmosphere in Dublin this weekend.
Fans are there for Katie Taylor and a host of local talent including lightweight sensation, Gary Cully, undefeated middleweight, Caoimhin Agyarko, and Andy Lee-trained Paddy Donovan.
Thomas Carty’s shot at winning the Celtic Heavyweight Title against Scotland’s Jay MacFarlane has been moved to the main card.
The main event sees Ireland’s favourite sporting star move up in weight to challenge for Cameron’s super lightweight championship after dominating the lightweight division.
Taylor has never fought as a professional in her own country, and the people have turned out in droves to celebrate what she’s achieved for not just the women’s side of the sport, but boxing in general.
The action will be broadcast live on DAZN.