Terri Harper Defeats Hannah Rankin; Captures WBA 154LBS Title!

Terri Harper Turns into A Champion Once more & Calls For Natasha Jonas Rematch

WBA junior middleweight champion Hannah “The Banger” Rankin (12-6, 3KO) and former WBC junior light-weight champion Terri Harper (13-1-1, 6KO) battled for the title.

Rankin’s perception in turning into a world champion by no means wavered, even after dropping 4 title photographs in a number of divisions. She lastly captured the vacant WBA title by defeating Maria Lindberg in 2021. The WBA champion could have the expertise benefit of getting shared the ring with the likes of Alicia Napoleon Espinosa, Patricia Berghult, Savannah Marshall, and Claressa Shields.

Harper is seeking to seize a title after dropping her championship to present WBC junior light-weight champion Alycia Baumgardner in 2021. She would transfer as much as light-weight for a victory over Yamila Abellaneda earlier than shifting up three weight divisions for a shot at Rankin’s title.

THE BLOOD CAME EARLY

Harper, regardless of developing in weight, landed the more durable photographs early by utilizing her footwork and quick hand pace to tag the face of the champion. In spherical two, she landed a pointy counter proper hand that induced a lower over the champion’s left eye.

Rankin tried to make it a canine combat, however it gave the impression to be taking part in within the arms of the previous junior light-weight champion, who saved touchdown sharp right-hand counters.

Rankin had some success combating off the entrance foot by touchdown an excellent straight proper hand after which touchdown one other overhand proper.

USING RING GENERALSHIP TO TAKE OVER

Harper responded with an ideal right-hand counter that stopped the WBA champion’s momentum. She continued to benefit from Rankin’s incapability to chop off the ring and would soar in with fast combos after which maintain to keep away from any return fireplace.

Rankin got here ahead combating with some urgency within the final spherical and landed an excellent stiff jab. Harper’s hand pace was an issue all through the combat as she landed one other brutal left hook that introduced the gang to their toes.

The transfer up in weight served Harper effectively as she placed on the efficiency of her profession. Two judges scored it 98-92, and one had it 97-93 for the newly topped two divisional champions in Harper.

Within the post-fight interview Harper expressed eager to combat a rematch towards unified champion Natasha Jonas, who she beat in 2020 by a controversial resolution.

By: Garrisson Bland

Featured Article: Maxi Hughes To Galahad: “I Hope He Has A Plan For Life After Boxing!”