The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation, but one question looms large: Will Terri Harper finally put pen to paper for a unification bout with Caroline Dubois? This highly anticipated matchup has been a year in the making, with Dubois, the WBC lightweight champion, and Harper, the WBO titleholder, trading barbs but failing to agree on terms. Now, with both fighters under the banner of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the stage seems set—but will Harper step into the ring?
Dubois, who made her MVP debut in Miami last Friday, didn’t hold back when discussing her British rival. 'I know for a fact she signed with MVP thinking she could avoid me,' Dubois stated bluntly. 'But guess what? I’m here now. There’s no escape.' Despite her confidence, Dubois admits Harper isn’t her primary focus. 'She’s kind of irrelevant to me. The belt is what matters, and she’s the one holding it—for now.'
But here’s where it gets controversial: Dubois believes Harper’s move to MVP was a strategic dodge, a way to 'slither out' of their inevitable clash. 'She thought she could avoid this fight, but I’m not letting her off the hook,' Dubois added. 'I hope she can find her pen when the contract comes her way.'
At 24, Dubois has already made waves in the sport, turning professional with UK-based Boxxer before joining MVP this month. She revealed she turned down multiple MVP offers before signing, citing the promise of regular UK fights and the opportunity to share a stable with Harper and unified super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner as key factors. 'Having them on the same team? That’s motivation,' she said.
The Harper fight isn’t the only matchup on Dubois’s radar. She’s also eyeing a future bout with Baumgardner, who defended her titles on the same card as Dubois last Friday. Both women were featured on the undercard of Jake Paul’s high-profile bout with Anthony Joshua, a platform that amplified their presence in the sport.
'Alycia likes to act like she’s the biggest, baddest fighter out there, but I disagree,' Dubois remarked. 'I believe I’m the one to beat. When she brings that energy, it triggers me—in a good way. Being on the same card lets fans compare us directly, and I’m confident they’ll see who’s truly dominant.'
And this is the part most people miss: While the Harper fight is the immediate goal, Dubois’s long-term vision extends beyond unification. She’s not just chasing belts—she’s building a legacy. 'The Harper fight is next, no doubt. It’s just a matter of where and when,' she said. 'But after that? The sky’s the limit.'
As the boxing world waits with bated breath, one question remains: Will Harper sign on the dotted line, or will she continue to dodge the fight fans are desperate to see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is Harper avoiding Dubois, or is there more to the story?
