Raven Chapman soars in Saudi Arabia: “The Omen” set to make boxing history
By Cormac O´Donell
Raven Chapman is on the cusp of making history as she prepares to face Skye Nicholson for the WBC Featherweight Championship on October 12th.
This highly anticipated bout which takes place as part of the Riyadh Season “IV Crown Showdown” card, holds added cultural significance as it marks the first women’s World Championship fight to be held in Saudi Arabia.
“I’m really excited to be part of history,” Raven shared with an infectious enthusiasm.
“Obviously, it’s the first women’s world title fight happening over there for the Riyadh Season. I’m really glad to get the opportunity to showcase myself on such a big stage with a bigger audience. I think a lot of people will like my style.”
Raven’s style is indeed one to watch. She brings a blend of pressure, ring generalship and tactical intelligence to the ring; all of which makes her a fan favourite.
“I think it’s just the tenacity that I’ve got, the movement that I have, and I can box as well. I’m not just one of these opponents that Skye has faced that can only come forward; doesn’t move the head, doesn’t move in, can’t move angles, can’t cut the ring.” the IBO #5 explained.
Raven will tell anyone with a set of ears about her self-confidence in her ring IQ. Having defended her WBC International belt 4 times – Raven has been shouting from the rooftops about the depth of her skill set. Her campaign has paid off – earning her a full WBC World Championship title shot, on Riyadh Season; the world’s biggest boxing stage.
“I know how to cut the ring. I know how to control a fight as well, and I am aggressive with it. That’s why I think I’m exciting to watch. It’s your matador versus the bull, isn’t it? Those are the really fun kind of fights to watch.”
The fight between Chapman and Nicholson is more than just a clash for a title; it’s a showcase of the progress women’s boxing has made globally. “Being the first women on the Riyadh season, I think they needed to get a big fight. In women’s boxing at the moment, a fight between me and Skye is one that’s talked about a lot. Two undefeated fighters both in our prime and both gunning for all the glory. The clash of styles works really well to make this an exciting fight.”
Raven has witnessed the evolution of women’s boxing firsthand, both in the UK and America, where the sport has gained significant traction over the past five years. “More young people can see women fighting in the gym; that they’re pro and they’re fighting for world titles. It shows that there is that option there.”
Her experience training in Saudi Arabia offered a glimpse into the potential for growth in the region. “When I was training at the gym in Saudi Arabia, it was really nice to see quite a few young girls in the boxing class that I saw. It shows that it’s all going in the right direction. To be part of that is great. Hopefully, it will get those young girls into the boxing gym and into training and into sport and fitness; that’s like a big reason that we do what we do.”
Chapman’s time in Saudi Arabia also allowed her to connect with the culture and the people. “The people there were so friendly and so nice. They’re all for women power. You can see how proud they are of their daughters” she recalled. “It was nice to see another culture as well and see how much they’re moving forward and progressing.
“In Saudi, there were lots of good things to do, loads of great places to eat, and we had a really fun time. I enjoyed it. It was also great being somewhere warm as well!”
For Raven, the WBC belt represents more than just a title—it’s the culmination of her journey in boxing. “It’s such a prestigious belt, so it’s a real honour for me. I got to fight for the WBC as one of my first titles as well, which is amazing. And now I’m finally getting that opportunity to upgrade it to the bigger one.”
Determined and focused, she’s ready to seize the moment. “I really want that belt around my waist, so now I’ve just got to go and grab it with both hands. It’s definitely one that I want.”
In her corner, Raven will have a close-knit team that she deeply values. “It’s just great to be able to have my dad in my corner, as well as my coach and my cutman. They’re both like my best friends and big brothers. They’ve all really got my back, look out for me, and have the best intentions for me. So I feel really lucky to have the team that I’ve got.”
As the historic bout approaches, all eyes will be on Raven Chapman as she steps into the ring, ready to make her mark on the world stage and be a role model for future generations of young girls – from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire to Kingdom Arena, Saudi Arabia.