Tayla Harris has experienced an unexpected setback in her journey towards a world title, with a shocking loss to Millicent Agboegbulen in their boxing bout.
Harris, who aimed to take the Australian super welterweight title from Agboegbulen, seemed outmatched by her Nigerian opponent in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Making headlines in No Limit’s inaugural all-female boxing event, Harris had aimed to maintain her undefeated streak in what would be her ninth bout.
However, a major upset unfolded as she suffered the first professional defeat of her career. The judges handed the victory to Agboegbulen in a majority decision, with scores of 76-76, 80-73, and 74-70.
Agboegbulen began the bout with fierce energy, proving to be the more aggressive fighter. Meanwhile, Harris took some time to acclimatize to the contest.
Agboegbulen skillfully utilized her right hook, resulting in Harris sustaining a bruise above her right eye.
In the middle rounds, the boxers' heads clashed repeatedly, leading to an egg-shaped swelling on Harris' forehead due to the unintentional contact.
Harris seemed at a loss for tactics as Agboegbulen relentlessly attacked. As the fight progressed, a significant red swelling formed under Harris' left eye.
On Main Event, commentator Ben Damon observed, "Tayla Harris is going to have some serious eye damage."
In the final round, Agboegbulen landed a crushing right-hand blow squarely on Harris' face.
While one judge surprisingly scored the bout a draw, Agboegbulen was indisputably the superior fighter and deserved her victory.
Despite the expectation for 26-year-old Harris to emerge victorious, following her impressive TKO win over Connie Chan in April, she will now refocus on the upcoming AFLW season. Last year, she secured her first premiership with the Melbourne Demons.
Several of Harris' Demons colleagues and other AFLW stars traveled to Sydney to support her from the sidelines at Moore Park’s Hoops Capital.
In an interview with news.com.au prior to the fight, Harris expressed her serious commitment to her boxing career and her ambitions for a world title.
"I am as committed as any other boxer you will meet, both male and female," Harris said.
"No one has ever tried to discourage me because they understand the value of pursuing another sport I love, and the physical benefits are evident."
Speaking about her ultimate goal for her boxing career, Harris added, "I aim to have the opportunity to fight for and win a world title."
Earlier in the event, rising star Ella Boot emerged victorious in a fierce match against Annie Thatcher, retaining her Australian super welterweight title via unanimous decision.
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