‘Horrendous’ – Moment boxer Terri Harper clashes heads with Natalie Zimmerman to leave her with horror ‘blood mask’
NATALIE ZIMMERMANN was left with a horrific gash on her head after her world title fight with Terri Harper.
The German challenged the Doncaster destroyer for the WBO women’s lightweight title at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night.
Zimmermann turned in a spirited display but was outclassed for 10 straight rounds on her way to suffering a unanimous decision defeat.
And the 42-year-old suffered a horrendous cut in the final round thanks to a nasty clash of heads.
The deep cut was just above Zimmermann’s right eye and leaked enough to prompt the referee to call a timeout.
But the ringside doctor deemed the cut not worthy of a TKO stoppage and allowed Zimmermann to see out the last minute and fifteen seconds of the round.
Commentator Adam Smith said of the cut: “Oh it’s horrendous.
“A bloody mask as Terri Harper continues to throw quality shots.
“And Zimmermann, how is she still standing?
Zimmermann was unable to land the Hail Mary punch she needed to end Harper’s reign as WBO queen, with all three judges turning 99-91 scorecards.
The win on home soil stretched three-weight world champ Harper’s record to 16 wins, two defeats and two draws.
And the 28-year-old has set her sights on a domestic dust-up with her WBC counterpart, Caroline Dubois.
She said of a showdown with Dubois: “Yes. 100 per cent, that gets my fire burning.
“I said in the press conference she rubs me the wrong way.
“I think it makes a cracking fight and it makes sense.
“This was a very special night for me, very special training camp.
“Massive thanks to my opponent for putting on a great show in my hometown.
“She’s tough. She started strong, I thought I needed to stay switched on.
“Once I let the nerves settle and the occasion settle, I found my way in the fight.
“It’s given me memories I will treasure for a lifetime.
“Not just in my boxing career, but as a person away from the sport.
“I don’t know what’s next.
“For me, I want to go on to fight the other champions of the division and really step up.
“I’m going to take some time off and see what happens, see if any contracts get sent over, get back to my team and work out a plan.”