An American underdog leaves Britain with a world title after knocking the champion out on her feet
- Alycia Baumgardner became a world champion Saturday in Britain.
- The American boxer leaves the Sheffield Arena with two world titles after knocking out the champ.
American underdog Alycia Baumgardner leaves Britain with a world title after knocking the boxing champion Terri Harper out on her feet during an upset Saturday at the Sheffield Arena.
Baumgardner started the super featherweight world title match showing good promise, throwing with bad intentions against the more established, more experienced Harper.
See Baumgardner's fast start right here:
The gritty Harper, 25, was undefeated heading into the title fight, and had struck good wins over Vivane Obeanuf and Eva Wahlstrom before scoring a draw with Natasha Jonas.
She was the bookmaker's favorite against Baumgardner but the 27-year-old showed elite power, and accuracy, as she timed significant shots on Harper's face throughout the contest.
Those heavy hits eventually took their toll.
And in the fourth round Baumgardner drilled Harper so hardily that it looked like the champion was out on her feet.
Showing a predator's finish, Baumgardner closed the gap to secure the finish. But shortly after she threw a follow-up punch, she was denied the chance to land any more, as the referee stepped in to wave the contest off.
It was all over. A new championship reign begins.
Watch Baumgardner's brilliance right here:
"I dreamed of this opponent … looked in the mirror every day, and told myself, 'You will become a world champion'," Baumgardner said after her win.
"Just building up to the fight, seeing her energy, and I just read it. I came over here as the challenger, as the underdog, and my confidence was 100. I didn't see that in that in her. She was fragile, so I had to go jump on it."
Event promoter Eddie Hearn praised Baumgardner: "She's talked the talk all week," he said. "She's announced herself on the world stage."
Victory advanced Baumgardner's pro boxing record to 11 wins (seven knockouts) against one loss, and saw her become the WBC and IBO super featherweight champion.