In a historic moment for women's boxing, Australian boxer Skye Nicolson successfully defended her WBC featherweight world title against British challenger Raven Chapman at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout marked the first women's world title fight to be held in the Kingdom, a significant milestone in the evolution of women's boxing globally.
Nicolson, who holds a professional record of 11-0, has been a dominant force in the women's featherweight division. Her victory over Chapman, who had a 9-0 record, solidified her position as one of the top female boxers in the world. The fight was part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol light heavyweight title bout, which further highlighted the prominence of this event.
The event was promoted by Matchroom and Top Rank, and it was live-streamed on DAZN. The undercard featured several notable bouts, including a world title fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Kamil Szeremeta, and a heavyweight title match between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke. The event's success underscores Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the boxing world, with several high-profile matches taking place in the Kingdom over the past year.
Nicolson's victory was not just about her own success but also about the broader implications for women's boxing. As noted by Eddie Hearn, the promoter, this event was a crucial boost for women's boxing, aligning with the Riyadh Season initiative aimed at elevating the sport's profile. However, the fight also raised questions about the treatment of women and minority groups within Saudi Arabia, with ongoing criticism from human rights organizations.
Despite these concerns, Nicolson expressed no hesitation about fighting on this card. She aimed to leverage her platform to advocate for opportunities for women in the Kingdom. Her participation was seen as a significant part of Saudi Arabia's desire to modernize while remaining respectful of its culture. The event also highlighted the efforts of Rasha Kham, the first certified female boxing coach in Saudi Arabia, who is working to nurture a new generation of female boxers.
The matchup between Nicolson and Chapman was highly anticipated, with both fighters bringing their unique styles to the ring. Chapman, known for her aggressive approach, pushed forward with heavy feints and big punch attempts. However, Nicolson's timing and movement proved to be a problem for Chapman, as she consistently countered her opponent's aggression with precise punches.
The fight was closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with many noting the stylistic matchup between the two undefeated fighters. Chapman's peak-a-boo style was met with Nicolson's effective use of her jab and left hand, which became a significant factor in the fight. As the rounds progressed, Nicolson's confidence grew, and she began to take control of the bout.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Nicolson, who has been a trailblazer in women's boxing. Her decision to turn professional after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was a turning point in her career, and she has since become one of the biggest fan favorites in the sport. Her earnings for this fight were set to be double her previous highest purse, reflecting her growing stature in the boxing world.
Looking ahead, Hearn has identified potential matchups that could be staged in Saudi Arabia, such as Sandy Ryan versus Chantelle Cameron or Caroline Dubois against Terri Harper. He also speculated that pound-for-pound star Katie Taylor might compete in the Middle East before her career concludes. These developments suggest a bright future for women's boxing, with Saudi Arabia playing a significant role in promoting the sport.
In conclusion, Skye Nicolson's victory over Raven Chapman was not just a win but a testament to her skill and determination. It marked a historic moment for women's boxing, highlighting the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in the sport. As the boxing world continues to evolve, it is clear that women's boxing will play an increasingly important role, with figures like Nicolson leading the charge.
