WBC super-featherweight champion Terri Harper is eager to get back in the ring as she seeks to unify a bustling 130lbs division that includes outspoken American WBO title holder Mikaela Mayer.
Harper, 24, originally hit world level in July 2019, defeating Nozipho Bell (WTKO8) for the IBO belt before seizing the WBC crown from established champion Eva Walhstrom (W10) in February 2020.
As the fight game attempts to edge out of the Covid-19 pandemic, women’s boxing is retaining its position at the forefront of the sport with multiple world title fights being contested across the globe.
Denaby’s Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) has a clear plan of world domination ahead, beginning with an immediate unification against South Korea’s WBA champion Hyun Mi Choi (18-0-1, 4 KOs).
“My plans for 2021 are that as of this moment in time that terms have been agreed to fight the WBA champion Choi next, so I’m back in the gym getting myself prepared to head back into camp once my [right] hand is healed properly and correctly,” Harper told Boxing Social.
“The plan is to work towards the Choi fight then after that head towards fighting the other champions in Maiva Hamadouche [IBF] and Mikaela Mayer [WBO]. I want to be undisputed at 130.”
Harper then discussed the ongoing war of words directed at her by WBO champion Mayer as that intriguing potential unification continues to build towards a confrontation in the ring.
“At first I took it personally as I was new to Twitter so that was the reason why I came away from Twitter for a little bit. However, now I have learnt the game a little bit more I realise that Mayer is doing a great job in building the fight up and commercially me and her are the two biggest names in the division,” reasoned Harper.
“It will be a great fight when this fight happens and already has a lot of interest surrounding it, and she is doing a great job in building it. I do have the odd comment back at her now and again but it’s all fun and tongue in cheek.”
Harper is guided by Yorkshire standout manager, promoter, trainer and former fighter Stefy Bull, who added his take to his world champion’s outlook on the year ahead.
“It’s well documented our plans at the moment in that we are chasing the other champions, unify the division and hopefully chase the goal of becoming the undisputed champion. It is the ultimate goal you can achieve and that’s what we want to do,” Bull told Boxing Social.
“As far as I’m aware, terms have been agreed to fight Choi next. It’s a fantastic fight to have next. [Choi is a] two-weight world champion and it will be an honour and a pleasure to fight someone of that stature.”
Main image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing.