Former Bellator flyweight, Heather Hardy, is set for her return to the boxing ring for a huge clash in March. The American will take on former WBC and IBO super-featherweight champion, Terri Harper. Harper suffered her first loss to Alycia Baumgardner last time out in November. The fight will mark Harper’s first fight at lightweight and will be Hardy’s first fight since May 2021, where she suffered her second straight loss.
Fight News! 🚨
Life up at Lightweight begins for @TerriHarper96 on March 12 when she collides with former World Champion @HeatherHardyBox 🔥#HarperHardy #WoodConlan pic.twitter.com/LFwauyrmqy
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 17, 2022
Heather Hardy
‘The Heat’, Heather Hardy is the former WBO featherweight champion and made a big transition over to MMA back in 2017. Her boxing career started with a 20-0 record. She had two very famous fights against the hard-hitting Shelly Vincent, getting the better of her twice. She, however, has lost form as of late. She lost a dominant decision loss to Amanda Serrano back in September 2019. She then took a hiatus away from boxing, but returned, again in another loss to Jessica Camara. Hardy is without a doubt one of the pioneers in women’s boxing and the Gleason’s gym product is one of the most gritty fighters in the sport today.
In 2017, Hardy decided to make the move over to MMA, where she competed under the Bellator banner. Her debut came in her home state of New York City. She rallied after being badly cut to finish her opponent via TKO late in the third round. Although she lost her next bout, she gained a lot of fans. She had her nose smashed, however, she was willing to carry on, although the doctor eventually stopped the bout.
Thank you for the opportunity @BellatorMMA ! ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/3Ps5erYvIE
— Heather Heat Hardy (@HeatherHardyBox) July 12, 2021
Terri Harper
Terri Harper was only the second British woman to capture a world title, however, she lost it in her last bout. She started her boxing career an unblemished, 10-0 before drawing with fellow Brit, Natasha Jonas in 2020. She bounced back to finish Katharina Thanderz, however, it would be Alycia Baumgardner who would eventually get the better of Harper.
After notching three rounds, Baumgardner landed a huge right hand on Harper, causing her to freeze and be out on her feet. The referee was able to jump in before Harper received too much damage. Harper decided after her first professional loss, at the tender age of 25, it was time for a change. She decides to make the move up to lightweight and will be welcomed to the division by the veteran, Hardy.
AND THE NEW! 🇺🇸👑
Alycia Baumgardner stunned Terri Harper, to become WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight champion.#HarperBaumgardner pic.twitter.com/KzSzv1MKq3
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 14, 2021
The two will compete on the undercard of Leigh Wood vs. Michael Conlan.
Featured Image from Matchroom Boxing Twitter.
