Ugly backlash as Aussie Skye Nicolson makes boxing history

Skye Nicolson has done something the world has never seen as the Aussie defended her world title before ugly scenes unfolded.

Aussie Skye Nicolson has defended her world title to become the first woman to ever win a fight in Saudi Arabia.

Fighting on the stacked Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol card, Nicolson defended her WBC featherweight title in style with a dominant victory over Raven Chapman.

The 28-year-old was a class above her opponent, winning via a unanimous judges decision 99-91, 98-92, 98-92.

Nicolson is now a perfect 12-0 in her career and her performance has further boosted her chances of securing a fight against Amanda Serrano — one of the highest-paid fighters in women’s boxing.

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However, there was an ugly development after the fight with fans hitting out at the spectacle Nicolson and Chapman produced.

Nicolson was technically flawless while with her tactics and left Chapman punching at clean air for most of the fight.

Nicolson landed plenty of shots, but clearly prioritised not getting hit. Her strategy proved dominant — but it left plenty of viewers wanting more.

Skye Nicolson punches Raven Chapman. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images.

Skye Nicolson lands another one. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images.

After a cagey start, Nicolson settled in and never looked troubled as the fight stretched through ten rounds.

Boxing radio and TV commentator Adam Catterall was one of many spectators to criticise the fight.

“Skye Nicholson is brilliant at not actually having a fight,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Pot shot point scoring. Hit and don’t get hit. It’s far from exciting to watch but it’s effective especially in 2 minute rounds against the shallow talent pool of featherweight.

“Must go up in weight.”

Some of the comments turned ugly on social media.

“Skye Nicolson doesnt deserve the Amanda Serrano payday. She’s so boring to watch,” one viewer posted.

Boxing fan Craig Scott also wrote: “Skye Nicholson the most boring world champion in the history of boxing.”

Another angry viewer wrote: “What a f***ing snooze fest. Laughable this is a world title fight.

“It’s like watching old people bowling.”

Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Skye Nicolson celebrates victory. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images.

Among the trained eye, there was also plenty of admiration for Nicolson’s brilliance.

Leading boxing journalist Michael Benson wrote: “Skye Nicolson beats Raven Chapman by unanimous decision to defend her WBC featherweight world title. Impressive boxing display”.

One boxing content account posted on X: “GREAT performance from Skye Nicolson. She’s arguably the best pure boxer in women’s boxing”.

Another posted: “The old boxing adage ‘levels’ is the perfect way to sum up Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman — Nicolson was on a totally different level to Chapman.”

Another fan wrote: “Skye Nicolson really is an incredible fighter. She could run the women’s game this whole decade”.

The squabble about her performance won’t take the smile off her face.

She had a grin from ear to ear when interviewed in her dressing room after the fight.

“Feeling good. Happy to get the win obviously,” she told DAZN.

“I’ve just still got so much more to show. I’m excited. We’re barely scratching the surface. They keep thinking they’ve cracked the code, but the code seems to remain uncracked.”

She went on to say: “I feel like my timing, controlling the pace, controlling the distance felt sharp.

“I had to beat her to the punch. That was a big part in our game plan.”

She finished the interview by calling out American Tiara Brown.

Originally published as Ugly backlash as Aussie Skye Nicolson makes boxing history