Terri Harper is letting Caroline Dubois handle the trash talk as she prepares to “humble” the younger fighter when they meet in a WBO and WBC lightweight unification fight live on Sky Sports.
The build-up has been heated, with Dubois labelling Harper “irrelevant” and “pathetic.” Harper says she doesn’t waste energy on shouting matches but will make a statement where it counts — in the ring.
“I think it’s great, she’s done my job for me, she’s selling the fight,” Harper told Sky Sports, adding that she prefers to focus on performing rather than engaging in public arguments. She described Dubois as young and “not truly tested yet,” and said she remembers the danger of getting carried away while undefeated. “Next Sunday I do humble her a little bit,” she said.
At 29, Harper is four years older than Dubois and brings a 16-2-2 record into the bout. She captured the WBO lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Rhiannon Dixon last May and has fought established names including Alycia Baumgardner, Sandy Ryan, Natasha Jonas and Cecilia Brækhus — experience Harper believes will make the difference.
“I’ve been overlooked throughout most of my boxing career,” Harper said, crediting the last two years with coach Paul Durose for taking her to the next level. She expects Dubois to face something in the ring “she’s never experienced before.”
Beyond this fight, Harper has bigger goals: becoming undisputed at lightweight. She already holds belts across multiple weight divisions and is intent on collecting the remaining lightweight titles to complete that ambition.
Headlining on Sky Sports has been a childhood dream for Harper, and she said securing a big win on this stage would feel like a crowning achievement after overcoming outside obstacles over the years. “Getting the win on Sunday… cherry on top,” she reflected.
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5.