WBO world lightweight champion Terri Harper (15-2-2, 6 KOs) is set to defend her title against lightweight contender Natalie Zimmermann (13-0, 3 KOs) on Saturday May 23rd at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, United Kingdom, live worldwide on DAZN.
(Credit: GBM Sports)
The 28-year-old champion Terri Harper will be making the first defense of her title, while the 42-year-old challenger Natalie Zimmermann will be participating in her first world title bout. Harper is a multi-division world champion who wants to make a statement against her undefeated opponent.
Back in November 2021, the then WBC super-featherweight champion Terri Harper faced first time world title challenger Alycia Baumgardner. It was a shocking night of boxing as Baumgardner stopped Harper in the fourth round.
A year later, Harper bounced back by defeating Hannah Rankin and winning the WBA junior-middleweight title. Harper would go on to make two successful title defenses, and then she decided to go down a weight class to fight for the WBO welterweight title.
Harper’s bid to become welterweight champion fell short, as she was stopped by Sandy Ryan in the 4th round. Six months later, Harper received another shot at championship gold, and she took advantage, as she defeated Rhiannon Dixon and won the WBO lightweight strap.
Now the British champion Terri Harper is ready to defend the WBO title for the first time. Harper’s opponent plans on ruining the homecoming event by playing the role of spoiler, and bringing the title back to her homeland.
A native of Hamburg, Germany, Natalie Zimmermann started her career in combat sports as a kickboxer where she won three consecutive German national championships. Zimmermann made the transition to professional boxing at the age of 38.
She made her debut back in August 2020, when she defeated Abigail Quashie via split-decision. Zimmermann continued her winning ways as she reeled off 12 additional victories. Now the undefeated contender will try to capitalize on her first shot at a world title.
Judging by her unblemished record, you would think Natalie Zimmermann is a worthy world title challenger, but that may not be the case. Zimmermann is undefeated, but she’s never faced an opponent with a winning record.
Natalie Zimmermann is a fighter who has a in-and-out type of boxing style. She has fast feet and she’s aggressive, but her technique is flawed, she throws a lot of arm shots, and her defense is sketchy.
The defending champion Terri Harper is by far the more polished fighter. She has a solid jab, good footwork, she knows how to control range, and once she figures out the range, she proceeds to let the combinations fly.
This should be a showcase type of fight for Terri Harper, but in a recent interview the determined challenger spoke about her ambitions.
“It has always been my dream to prove myself against fighters like Terri and showcase my skills,” Zimmermann said. “My coach and I will be developing strategies for the fight. There will certainly be some surprises for my opponent.”
The battle for the WBO world lightweight title is set for May 23rd. The only question is, will it be a routine victory or a massive upset?
Last Updated on 05/22/2025
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