Undisputed super-featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner is set to return to the ring, as she will defend her crown against Delfine Persoon (49-3, 19 KOs) on Friday night, September 27th, at the Trilith Studios Town Stage in Fayetteville, Georgia, streaming live on Brinx.TV.
Adversity is a part of life, and during the past 14 months, Alycia Baumgardner had to deal with adverse issues such as accusations of testing positive for a banned substance, being harassed by a stalker, and the unfortunate death of her father. Now after experiencing a difficult time period, Baumgardner is ready to return to the squared circle.
Shortly after her last ring appearance, Baumgardner tested positive for mesterolone. A thorough investigation was conducted. Baumgardner was found not guilty of intentionally taking a banned substance, and now she is set to resume her career against a savvy ring veteran.
A native of Hooglede, West Flanders, Belgium, Delfine Persoon scored a unanimous decision victory over Erica Farias and won the WBC lightweight title back in April 2014. Persoon would go on to have nine successful title defenses.
In an attempt to become an undisputed world champion, Delfine Persoon fell short of victory back in June 2019 when she lost to Katie Taylor via majority decision. A year later, Persoon made a second attempt at becoming an undisputed champion, but once again, she was denied by Katie Taylor.
Four years have gone by since her last defeat, and now the 39-year-old Delfine Persoon is ready for the ultimate challenge. On the night of September 27th, Persoon will try to capitalize on a golden opportunity as she is set to fight the dynamic undisputed super-featherweight champion.
Alycia Baumgardner formerly introduced herself to the boxing world when she traveled to Sheffield, England and stepped inside the ring to face the undefeated champion Terri Harper back in November 2021. With 1:41 left to go in the 4th round, Harper walked into an overhand right.
The impact of the punch had Harper dazed, and out on her feet, as the referee was forced to step in and put a halt to the contest. With the stoppage victory, Alycia Baumgardner won the WBC world title.
A year later, Baumgardner traveled to London, England for a unification bout against Mikaela Mayer. During the course of the promotional events, Baumgardner and Mayer were close to having a physical altercation. On fight night it was a back and forth battle, but in the end Baumgardner outpointed Mayer.
With the victory, Alycia Baumgardner won the WBO and IBF super-featherweight titles. For her next bout, Alycia Baumgardner returned to the States for a fight that took place in New York at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
In her match for the vacant WBA super-featherweight title, Baumgardner floored Elhem Mekhaled twice in the third round. She would go on to cruise to a unanimous decision victory, and with the addition of the WBA strap, Baumgardner became the undisputed super-featherweight champion.
In her most recent fight, Alycia Baumgardner would avenge the only loss of her pro career as she defeated Christina Linardatou via unanimous decision. Now, the champ is ready to defend her undisputed crown for a second time.
Alongside Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano, the undisputed super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner is one of the trailblazers in regards to the progression of women’s boxing. Baumgardner is looking forward to Friday night because she plans on adding to her legacy.
During a recent interview with ‘Rise Up News,’ the 30-year-old undisputed super-featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) spoke about the major challenge she faces in her upcoming bout.
“I like Delfine; I think she’s a great opponent. I think she’s perfect for this fight. She’s a veteran fighter; she has the record to showcase. We seen her in great fights with Katie Taylor twice. We know she’s coming to fight and she has nothing to lose either, so again, this is a perfect matchup for Alycia and Delfine, September 27th.”
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