Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman made history in the Kingdom
Skye Nicolson’s road to ‘Future Undisputed’ remains firmly on track as the WBC Women’s Featherweight World Champion successfully defended her crown by beating Raven Chapman on a historic night in Saudi Arabia.
For the first time ever, at the opening of Riyadh Season on the undercard for the Undisputed Light-Heavyweight showdown between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, two female fighters went head-to-head in the Kingdom.
And on what ended up as a career-high evening at the Kingdom Arena, the triumphant Australian southpaw Skye Nicolson ensured she leaves Riyadh with her coveted Green & Gold belt in tow as she extended her flawless professional record to 12-0 (1 KO) with a unanimous points victory as the judges scored the bout 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.
After two back-and-forth opening rounds, Nicolson quickly downloaded Chapman and controlled the contest throughout in her typically supremely stylish, trademark fashion.
Speaking after the fight, the jubilant Queensland native Nicolson said: “I’m feeling so good, and I’m delighted to get the win, obviously.
“I’m really excited for what’s to come. There’s barely a scratch on the surface. They [opponents] keep thinking they’ve cracked the code, but the code seems to remain uncracked.
“I felt I controlled the fight. The dictated the pace and my timing was on point. I felt sharp and I beat her to the punch. A big part of my gameplan was offsetting her, feinting, and beating her to the punch.
“Full respect to Raven Chapman, of course. To make history here in Riyadh tonight will live long in the memory. I’m incredibly grateful to Riyadh Season and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.
“Who’s next? It has to be Tiara Brown. She said she’s the smoke and she wants the smoke. It’s the fight to make, so let’s get it on.”
Promoter and Matchroom Sport chairman, Eddie Hearn, added: “Skye Nicolson made history in Riyadh and now establishes herself as one of the major stars in the sport.
“I don’t see anyone beating her – and now it’s time to capture all the belts. Undisputed awaits.”