Tayla Harris has been defeated in a stunning boxing boilover in her bout against Millicent Agboegbulen as her quest towards a world title was stopped in its tracks.
Harris was striving to claim Agboegbulen’s Australian super welterweight title in Sydney on Wednesday night, but she looked a class below the Nigerian.
LINEAR BOXING | Undefeated boxer and four-time AFL Women’s All-Australian Tayla Harris is headlining the first all-female card that also features tough up and comer Ella Boot LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Headlining No Limit’s first ever all-female boxing card, Harris was expected to extend her undefeated record in her ninth fight.
But she was handed the first loss of her professional career in a huge upset, as the judges gave the victory to Agboegbulen via majority decision (76-76, 80-73, 74-70).
Agboegbulen came out firing and was the more aggressive boxer as Harris took her time to warm into the fight.
Agboegbulen used her right hook to great effect, causing Harris to bruise above left right eye.
The pair repeatedly clashed heads in the middle rounds and an egg formed on Harris’ forehead from the incidental contact.
Harris looked lost for answers and was pummelled by Agboegbulen from pillar to post. As the fight went on as huge red swelling formed under her left eye. It’s one of the worst shiners ever seen.
Commentator Ben Damon said on Main Event: “She’s going to have some damage around the eyes is Tayla Harris.”
Agboegbulen landed the hammer blow in the final round when a brutal right hand caught Harris flush in the face.
One judge surprisingly ruled the fight the draw, but Agboegbulen was clearly the better fighter and was a deserving winner.
Harris, 26, had been expected to win following up her impressive TKO win over Connie Chan in April.
She will now turn her attention to the new AFLW season after claiming her maiden premiership with the Melbourne Demons last year.
Many of Harris’ Demons teammates and other AFLW stars flew down to Sydney to watch her in action ringside at Moore Park’s Hoops Capital.
Speaking to news.com.au ahead of the fight, Harris said she was taking her boxing career extremely seriously and had aspirations to win a world title.
“I’m serious. I’m as serious as any other fighter you will meet about boxing — men and women,” Harris said.
“No one’s ever tried to tell me they don’t think I should do it because they see the value in doing another sport I love and obviously the physical benefits are clear.
“The other benefits are just that mental toughness and ability to overcome adversity. There’s no bench in the boxing ring.”
Asked what her end game for her boxing career is, Harris said: “Obviously I’ve got ambition to have the opportunity to fight for and win a world title.”
Earlier, highly touted youngster Ella Boot defeated Annie Thatcher via unanimous decision to retain her Australian super welterweight title in a brutal clash.
No Limit on Fox all-female card
Millicent Agboegbulen def Tayla Harris via majority decision- Australian super welterweight title
Ella Boot def Annie Thatcher via unanimous decision — Australian light welterweight title
Angel Rushton def Jaala Tomat via split decision
Tywarna Campbell def Natasha Kurene via split decision
Jess Messina def Zoe Putorak via unanimous decision