Terri Harper vs Alycia Baumgardner

(Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom)

Story by Uppercutmagazine staff

American challenger Alycia Baumgardner looks to topple the reign of IBO and WBC super featherweight champion Terri Harper.

“It is my time,” said Baumgardner.

Harper (11-0-1, 6 KO) has never been defeated and faces America’s Baumgardner (10-1, 6 KOs) on Saturday Nov. 13, at Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England. DAZN will stream the Matchroom Boxing card live.

“The opportunity came and we took it. It doesn’t bother me that we have to go over there,” said Baumgardner.

Harper was supposed to fight South Korea’s Hyun Mi Choi but arm injuries forced two postponements. Eventually Baumgardner was chosen.

“It’s been a long year. I’ve had a tough time after the operations but here we are back on the main stage,” said Harper. “I’m excited to get back out.”

Baumgardner had her own injuries too.

“I had a knee surgery last October and it was reconstructed. I had some time off. We recovered and it’s been a year now,” said Baumgardner who suffered the injury while training.

It’s been a long road for the Ohio native who now trains in Detroit, Michigan.

This will be the American fighter’s first time engaged in a 10-round world championship fight. She is confident her extensive amateur career against many of the best America has to offer will provide the experience necessary to dethrone Harper.

“But just the experience you have in the amateurs, having over 100 fights, I would say that’s credible and that experience speaks for itself,” said Baumgardner who has fought professionally for four years.

Only a loss against Christina Linardatou, who would later win the WBO super featherweight title, is the only blemish on her record. Since that loss by split decision, the 27-year-old known as “the Bomb” has remained unbeaten.

Baumgardner believes she can beat Harper.

“What I know is she’s a champion. She has some skills. And nothing that I’m worried about. I don’t see much into her. Only what she shows,” said Baumgardner of the champion Harper.

Harper has defended the titles four times. This is her first time encountering an American challenger.

“I’ve never shied away from a tough fight,” said Harper. “I’ve fought girls with winning records, former world champions, reigning world champions, that’s the reason why we chose Alycia. She’s a tough and respectable opponent.”

Baumgardner has openly challenged all of the titleholders in the super featherweight division. Finally, her opportunity has arrived.

“I feel like the sport of boxing needs exciting fights. I’m all for fighting. We train all year round to be ready. I’d rather have a fight. That’s why I push and hope to get those fights,” she said.

Harper expects a big challenge.

“I know what I’ve got ahead of me on Saturday night. I’m not overlooking Alycia, but this is a steppingstone in my journey and career,” Harper said. “I want to go on and push to have a big 2022 and hopefully get a unification against Choi, push on for an undisputed against Mikaela Mayer.”

It should be a battle.