Aussie two-weight world champ Skye Nicolson has signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), becoming the first fighter announced under a new partnership between the outfit and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
In a big move for women’s boxing, MVP and Matchroom confirmed on Tuesday they had joined forces in a bid to create more opportunities for the sport’s biggest stars, with Nicolson unveiled as the first signing under the collaboration.
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The Queenslander (16-1, 3 KOs), who recently became the WBC super bantamweight world champion, will make her promotional debut on August 29 in Birmingham, England, defending her belt against Japan’s former two-division world champ Miyo Yoshida.
The announcement comes only months after the Aussie Olympian publicly questioned whether MVP had any interest in signing her, taking aim at the promotion for overlooking one of the biggest names in women’s boxing.
Earlier this year, Nicolson also told Fox Sports Australia she wanted to share the ring with the biggest names in the sport, singling out MVP superstar Amanda Serrano as one of her dream opponents.
Tuesday’s announcement dramatically increases the chances of those fights becoming reality.
“Women’s boxing is entering a new era, and I want to be right at the centre of it,” Nicolson said.
“This partnership with MVP and Matchroom gives me the opportunity to chase legacy, compete in the biggest fights out there, and help continue pushing women’s boxing forward.
“My goal has always been to test myself against the very best and be involved in the biggest fights in women’s boxing.
“I truly believe this move puts me in the best possible position to do exactly that.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait for this next chapter of my career to unfold.”
MVP believes the Aussie is the perfect addition to its superstar stable of women’s boxing stars.
“Skye is one of the most recognizable athletes in women’s boxing today,” MVP co-founders Paul and Nakisa Bidarian said.
“As a two-division world champion, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Olympian, and one of Australia’s biggest stars, she represents the caliber of athlete we’re building MVP around.
“Since launching MVPW, our mission has been to create the premier global platform for women’s boxing by bringing together the sport’s biggest champions and delivering the biggest fights.
“Skye shares that vision and ambition, and together we’re excited to help create the defining moments of the next chapter of her career.”
Nicolson was elevated to full WBC super bantamweight champion after Ellie Scotney vacated the title.
The upgrade now places Nicolson among an exclusive group of Aussie fighters to win recognised world titles in multiple divisions.
Before thoughts turn to the likes of Serrano and unification fights, Nicolson must first get past a dangerous Yoshida.
The Japanese star last fought in April, stopping Edith de Jesus Flores in six rounds.
“I know many see Skye as the favorite and I understand why — she is an excellent fighter,” said Yoshida.
“But I have dedicated my life to boxing, and I will bring the heart of Japan and my experience as a three-time world champion.
“On August 29, the world will see me crowned as the new WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion.”
Nicolson says she’s already training for it.
“I’m excited for the challenge. I think she’s a great fighter,” she told Fox Sports Australia.
“These are the fights that I want to be in. She’s a very good boxer and I think our styles will clash well.”
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And after that?
“The plan is to be in a big unification fight before the end of the year in Australia,” she revealed.
“So fingers crossed that’s what will happen following the Yoshida fight.
“But all eyes on the fight first, and then hopefully a big unification fight – it’ll be my first one ever.”
Nicolson’s title defence is just one of several huge opportunities for Aussie women next month, with fellow world champs Cherneka Johnson, Kaye Scott and Desley Robinson also chasing world-title success in a bumper August.