WBO lightweight champion Terri Harper urges LGBTQ+ individuals in boxing to remain true to themselves amid persistent homophobia. Harper, who has largely avoided significant hate during her career, states: 'I think I've got to that age now where it's just over my head because I know who I am as a person.' She advises: 'Just be your authentic self and just do what you truly believe in and try not to change yourself for anybody else.' Harper's comments come ahead of her April 5 unification fight against Caroline Dubois, where she also plans to marry partner Gemma. Martin Stark, an activist against homophobia in combat sports, offers a starker assessment, noting progress in amateur boxing but warning that professional boxing's leadership direction is currently worsening the problem.

Stark highlights the lack of support structures for closeted professional boxers facing bullying, stating 'there's nothing' for them to turn to. He predicts homophobia in the sport won't be solved in his lifetime.