Terri Harper to face Hyun-Mi Choi in unification fight

Denaby’s Harper will put her WBC and IBO super-featherweight world titles on the line against undefeated WBA world champion Choi on a huge night of action at the AO Arena on Saturday, May 15.

Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) stopped Norway's Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds to retain her WBC and IBO crowns last time out in November.

Choi (18-0-1, 4 KOs), the longest-reigning world ruler in women’s boxing, beat China’s Chunyan Xu on her professional debut in October 2008 to claim the vacant WBA featherweight crown before making seven defences of her world title in the following five years.

The South Korean became a two-weight world champion when she landed the WBA super-featherweight ritle against Thailand’s Siriwan Thongmanit in May 2014 and most recently defended it against Calista Silgado on her Matchroom debut at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“It’s exciting that our dream of becoming undisputed super-featherweight world champion is taking a step closer to reality with my first unification fight,” said Harper.

“I’m looking forward to the step-up and fighting an undefeated champion.

“Choi is the longest-reigning female world champion and it will be an honour to share the ring with her.

"I’m more than ready. I’ve been training for this fight since the new year, even with my broken hand. I don’t just want to win; I want to win in style and make a statement.

Choi said: "I have waited a very long time for the opportunity to fight for the WBC belt. I am so excited and looking forward to it. My goal has been to unify my weight division for many years and now the time has finally come.

"I know this fight in England will not be easy. Fighting in another country is extremely difficult but I am prepared for this adventure and challenge. I truly hope the best fighter will win. I have prepared for this opportunity my whole boxing career."

The card will also feature the return of rising light-heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi, Doncaster’s Jason Cunningham and Rotherham’s Lee Appleyard.

Birmingham’s Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) puts his EBU European super-bantamweight title on the line for the first time against Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs) after claiming it with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Italy’s Luca Rigoldi at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.

Fast-rising super-lightweight star Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English title after their February clash fell through at short notice due to two positive COVID tests in Appleyard’s camp.

"This is a cracking card and most likely our last in the UK behind closed doors," said Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.

"As Terri Harper continues her quest for undisputed, she takes on the unbeaten champ Hyun-Mi Choi in a brilliant unification match-up.

"Joshua Buatsi returns to action under new trainer Virgil Hunter and we have three European Title match ups with champions Tommy MCarthy and Gamal Yafai defending and Leronne Richards going for the super-middleweight title.

"Electric prospect Dalton Smith also steps-up in a great fight versus Lee Appleyard for the vacant English Title as he continues his charge."