Boxing
Rhiannon Dixon reveals confidence boost ahead of 'massive' title fight against Terri Harper
Watch Dixon vs. Harper live Sept. 28 on DAZN
It's taking Rhiannon Dixon some time to get used to her title as WBO women's world lightweight champion.
Dixon won the belt when she defeated Karen Elizabeth Carabajal by unanimous decision in April, and on Saturday she'll defend the strap for the first time when she faces Terri Harper in the main event at Sheffield's Canon Medical Arena, live on DAZN.
The 29-year-old has risen quickly through the ranks of the division, winning the Commonwealth, European and WBO world titles in each of her last three fights, and she is still coming to terms with the whirlwind nature of her ascent.
"I still can't believe it when I'm referred to as a world champion," Dixon said at a pre-fight press conference on Wednesday. "I genuinely can't believe it. I feel like it's just the beginning now. I can't wait to see what's next.
"It’s boosted my confidence massively. When I was first on DAZN cards, I had a bit of imposter syndrome as I’d only had seven white-collar fights. Going from Commonwealth to European champion to world champion has boosted my confidence. I belong at this stage."
While the title wins have legitimised her self-belief, Dixon acknowledged that she's in for a big challenge against Harper, who is a two-weight world champion.
However, she welcomes the opportunity a good performance on Saturday could bring.
“This is definitely my toughest fight – I’m under no illusions about that – but it’s a fight I’ve been ready for for a long time and one I’m really excited for," Dixon said. "When I win at the weekend, it shoots me into these massive fights which is something I’m really excited for.”
Watch Rhiannon Dixon vs. Terri Harper live September 28 on DAZN. Click here for details.
