Terri Harper

Terri Harper, affectionately known in the ring as “Belter,” stands as a prominent figure in the lightweight division with a professional career beginning on November 25, 2017. Born on November 2, 1996, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, Harper fights out of Denaby Main, Yorkshire. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall with a reach of 65 inches and fighting in an orthodox stance, she has carved a reputation over nearly eight years as a technically gifted, aggressive boxer with a high work rate and strong finishing ability.

Harper launched her professional journey at Doncaster Dome, securing an early points victory over Monika Antonik. Early bouts saw her demonstrate a blend of sharp technical skills and assertive ring generalship against regional competition such as Borislava Goranova, Bojana Libiszewska, and Feriche Mashaury, with a growing knockout quotient; among early stoppages were a third-round knockout of Bec Connolly and a second-round technical knockout of Mashaury. These early signs reflected Harper’s capacity for combining volume punching with the power needed to end fights decisively.

Her steady rise included bouts at significant UK venues like Sheffield Arena, Manchester Arena, and Nottingham Arena. A key turning point was in November 2020 when Harper claimed the WBC female super-featherweight title via a ninth-round technical knockout of Katharina Thanderz at Wembley Arena. This victory was followed by resilient performances defending and contesting titles, including notable outings against Eva Wahlstrom and Natasha Jonas. Harper built a style centred on immaculate jab work, tight defence, and fluid combinations, effectively mixing pressure and countering to control the tempo and range of fights.

Perhaps the pinnacle of Harper’s career arrived in September 2022, when she claimed the WBA female super-featherweight title by defeating Hannah Rankin at Nottingham Arena by unanimous decision. This victory marked a milestone as the victory over Rankin—a seasoned and previously crowned opponent—cemented Harper’s position among the elite of women’s boxing. Subsequent bouts have included high-profile matchups against Ivana Habazin and the legendary Cecilia Braekhus, with a majority draw recorded against Braekhus in a closely contested ten-round bout at Sheffield Arena in October 2023.

Harper’s career is distinguished by her performances against internationally recognised opponents, including a loss in a fourth-round technical knockout to Alycia Baumgardner in November 2021 and various competitive decisions through her recent fights up to 2025, such as wins over Rhiannon Dixon and Natalie Zimmermann. Her encounters with top-calibre athletes epitomise the modern super-featherweight’s balance of technical precision and combat toughness. Harper’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, combined with stamina and consistent punch volume, has made her a formidable challenger and supporter of top-tier female boxing events on British soil and beyond.

Harper has posted a record featuring numerous wins by decision and stoppage, balanced by two losses to elite competition. Her ring performances have consistently showcased disciplined tactics, adaptability, and a sharp punch selection that harbours rare power for her weight class. Her fights regularly take place at premier UK arenas, signalling her stature and appeal within the sport. Terri Harper stands among the leading lights in English women’s boxing, renowned for blending tactical prowess with striking power and for sustaining momentum through a competitive and evolving division.