In the lead-up to her big match, Caroline Dubois faced a barrage of criticism. Detractors labeled her as arrogant and overly confident, but Dubois saw it as a steadfast belief in her capabilities. Regardless of opinions, there was only one way to settle the debate.

Under the glaring lights at London’s Olympia, Dubois did more than just respond to her critics—she silenced them. She triumphed over Terri Harper with a unanimous decision, as the judges scored the bout 98-91, 97-92, and 98-91 in her favor.

This night was historic for more reasons than one. It marked MVP’s inaugural UK event and their first broadcast on Sky Sports. Dubois seized the moment with a performance that was impossible to ignore. Harper, a seasoned champion, stood in her way, bolstered by supporters including Alycia Baumgardner, who vocalized her backing. Dubois, unfazed by the chatter, pushed through the noise and expectations.

The match began cautiously, with both fighters testing the waters. Harper initially seemed to have the upper hand, remaining active and probing. However, Dubois was intent on landing impactful shots, making her presence known with each significant strike.

By the second round, Dubois’ speed became apparent. She deftly maneuvered in and out of range, forcing Harper to continually adjust. Harper relied on her jab and aimed to unleash her right hand, but struggled to connect effectively.

Caroline Dubois heard it all in the build-up. Arrogant, they said. Too loud. Too sure of herself. She called it confidence – unshakable, unapologetic belief in her own ability

Whatever label you preferred, there was only one way to settle it. And under the bright lights of London’s Olympia, she didn’t just answer the critics… she silenced them beating Terri Harper

Claressa Shields attended the MVP event in London, having been at Lauren Price’s fight the night before in Wales

Midway through the round, Dubois delivered a powerful overhand right, fulfilling her pre-fight promises. As the round concluded, she made a subtle but telling statement by staying on her feet rather than taking a seat—demonstrating her energy and control.

The crowd found its voice in the third, roaring in support of Harper, trying to will her forward.

But in the fourth, the tempo lifted and it suited Dubois. She began to string together combinations in the opening half of the round, her hands flowing. Harper tried to establish her jab and bring structure back, but Dubois’ defensive work stood out – rolling away from shots, evading clean contact, and resetting quickly.

The fifth followed a similar pattern, Dubois dictating the rhythm with her movement and sharper work.

Then came the breakthrough in the sixth. Just before the bell, Dubois dropped Harper. It wasn’t just the knockdown – it was everything that followed. Dubois leapt up, shouting, taunting, making sure everyone knew it. Harper beat the count, but she looked unsteady, and Dubois continued to bark in her direction as the bell intervened.

The seventh began with more theatre. Dubois gestured to Harper, beckoning her forward, forcing the referee to step in with a warning before the round even got underway. 

The crowd responded with boos, but Dubois didn’t care. 

She landed early, a combination that rocked Harper again. Harper held on, clinched, and survived, but Dubois had found another gear – digging to the body and continuing to exploit the gap in speed. Harper struggled to land clean as Dubois slipped and moved.

At the start of the eighth, Dubois made her intentions unmistakable. She stood square in the centre of the ring, waiting, inviting Harper to throw so she could counter. 

There was no love lost between the pair during the build-up on fight week in London 

Earlier in the night, Ellie Scotney won the Undisputed Female Super Bantamweight Titles against Mayelli Flores

Harper did land a solid combination midway through the round, but it only seemed to irritate Dubois, who fired straight back and forced her onto the ropes with a sharp response.

The ninth saw both fighters trade at close range, standing toe-to-toe in the kind of exchanges that brought the crowd to life. In tight, Harper had her moment, rocking Dubois in a reminder that the fight was far from one-sided.

The 10th and final round showed more of the same with Harper’s team urging her forwards as Dubois found herself getting caught.  

But over the distance, it was Dubois’ speed, control, and moments of authority – punctuated by that knockdown – that told the story. When the scores were read, it was her hand that was raised.