Henderson, in her first big international tournament, went toe-to-toe with seasoned English Olympian Chantelle Reid in the 70kg category.
Her style drew praise from the commentators who described the 27-year-old former Otago Spirit rugby player as ‘‘game as they come’’.
Despite pressuring Reid and landing some solid right hands, Henderson found it tricky to pin down her elusive opponent.
Her coach Ryan Henry, of Dunedin’s NZ Fight and Fitness Academy, was proud of Henderson, who ‘‘did really well for her first international fight at that level’’.
‘‘She was pressing the pace, coming forward, wanting to engage more, whereas the other fighter had the style of bouncing around on the back foot.
‘‘She’s a novice at the international level so this is really good experience.’’
The loss ends Henderson’s involvement in the tournament in Liverpool where she is part of a seven-strong New Zealand team.
With a record of 16 wins and two losses, she will now focus on the New Zealand Championships in Porirua later this month.
‘‘When she returns to Dunedin she’ll be straight back into training for that tournament,’’ Henry said.
— Allied Media
