THORSLUND RETURNS TO THE RING AIMING TO EXTEND HER UNBEATEN RUN

World champion Dina Thorslund returns to action on Saturday (February 25) as she defends her title against the talented - and dangerous - Debora Anahi Lopez.

Thorslund (18-0, 7 knockouts) puts the WBO world bantamweight title, along with her unbeaten record, on the line in what will undoubtedly be a stern test of her credentials against Argentina’s Lopez (20-1-1, 1 knockout).

She will, however, enjoy home advantage with the fight taking place at Holstebro’s Graakjaer Arena, the venue for Thorslund’s most recent fight, last April, when she successfully overcame the challenge of Venezuela’s Niorkis Carreno via a unanimous decision.

In Lopez, Thorslund faces perhaps the toughest test of her career to date. The Argentine boasts an impressive CV, with one defeat and one draw the only blots on her copybook.

That solitary defeat came in her last outing against compatriot Tamara Elisabet DeMarco, in March last year, on a night when Lopez not only lost the fight, but also surrendered the WBO flyweight title, which she had won in 2019.

In truth, the manner of defeat was cruel. Lopez suffered a severe cut after an accidental headbutt and was deemed unfit to continue, with the action prematurely called to a halt in the ninth round.

Only time will tell how Lopez reacts to that setback when she faces Thorslund on Saturday. There is an argument to suggest that going into the bout off the back of the first defeat in her career could potentially impact her confidence, particularly when facing such an accomplished opponent.

On the other hand, the defeat to DeMarco may have strengthened Lopez’s resolve. Beware the wounded animal, as the famous saying goes, and there is no doubt she will be eager to bounce back with what would certainly be a statement victory.

For Thorslund, currently number one in the Ring Magazine bantamweight rankings, the clash represents an opportunity for her to solidify her position as the division’s finest fighter.

Now unbeaten in 18, Thorslund has overcome all manner of challenges since making a devastating professional debut in 2015 when she defeated Czech Petra Podráská with a clinical first-round TKO.

Thorslund won the vacant WBO super-bantamweight title in 2018 when she came out on top against Mexico’s Jessica Arreguin, before going on to claim the vacant WBO bantamweight title in 2021 courtesy of an impressive performance against another Mexican, Jasseth Noriega.

Two successful defences of her title have subsequently followed. First up, Mexican Zulina Munoz was dispatched in seven rounds and, in her last outing, Thorslund claimed a unanimous points win over Carreno.

With both fighters making their first appearance in almost a year, perhaps we should anticipate a cagey opening few rounds.

With so much at stake, risks will have to be taken as the bout progresses. However, with only one knockout to her name, Lopez may be happy to go the distance.

Thorslund will be confident her quality will ultimately shine through, and another victory will only enhance her fast-growing status as the best in the business.