Terri Harper claims the vacant IBO super-featherweight crown
Terri Harper, 22, become Britain’s youngest female world champion when she defeated South Africa’s Nozipho Bell in round-eight to win the vacant IBO super-featherweight crown at the Magna Centre in Rotherham on July 19.
The Denaby Main stylist headlined the Stefy Bull Promotions in association with Ryan Rhodes’s 26RR Promotions event, entitled ‘The World Awaits’, and made history as she claimed the IBO belt in front of a raucous crown on the 200th day of the year.
It was a well-timed straight right that landed clean on the chin of South African that caused the knockdown, which referee Howard John Foster deemed as enough and immediately waived off the contest, dismissing the count.
Given that the only turned professional in November 2017, her rise to world titlist has been little short of meteoric and manager Stefy Bull believes she is set to become the next big star in female boxing.
Also in appearance, two-time world title challenger Gavin McDonnell returned to action with a shutout points win over six rounds against two-weight Southern Area champion Jamie Speight from Devon.
Lee Appleyard boxed in his hometown for the first time, defeating journeyman Fonz Alexander over four rounds.
Jason Cunningham kept busy ahead of a potential British super-bantamweight title shot with a four-round points win over Michael Mooney, and unbeaten Sheffield prospect Callum ‘Hitman’ Hancock continued his education with a 59-55 points win over Darryl Sharp.
Debutant Callum Beardow kicked off his pro career with a points win over 86-fight veteran Elvis Dube; and Cam Shaw also went to 1-0 with a pro bow win over Edward Bjorklund.
Sheffield’s Jamaican-born puncher Nicolie Campbell and fast-rising super-lightweight Levi Kinsiona also picked up points win.