Aussie boxing star Skye Nicolson has suffered a frustrating setback, with the two-weight world champion forced to withdraw from her scheduled world title defence against Miyo Yoshida after injuring herself.
The reigning WBC super bantamweight champion was due to defend her belt against Japan’s Miyo Yoshida in Birmingham on August 30 (AEDT) in what was set to be her debut under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner.
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But those plans have now been put on hold, with the promotion confirming on Wednesday that the popular Queenslander picked up an injury during training last week and will no longer be able to take part.
The fight is expected to be rescheduled before the end of the year.
“I’m devastated to announce that, due to sustaining an injury in training last week, I have had to withdraw from my scheduled fight,” Nicolson said.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to Miyo Yoshida and her team for this delay.
“I have nothing but respect for Miyo and I’m looking forward to finally sharing the ring with her before the end of the year.
“The positive news is that while I’m recovering, I’ll be heading to Orlando this weekend for the MVPW-05 event, where I’m excited to support my fellow Australian world champions and many other incredible athletes.
“A new date for my fight with Yoshida will be locked in very soon, and I can’t wait to get back in the gym, back to full health, and back doing what I love.
“Thank you to everyone for your continued support and understanding.”
It’s a tough knock for Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs), whose fight with the Japanese star was set to kick off a new chapter in her career after last week’s move to MVP.
Nicolson told Fox Sports Australia earlier this year she was targeting a blockbuster world title unification bout on home soil before the end of the year.
Those plans appear to have taken a big hit.
MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said the promotion was looking forward to seeing the popular Aussie back in action once she had recovered.
“Skye Nicolson has unfortunately been forced to postpone her MVP debut due to injury, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery,” Bidarian said.
“We look forward to welcoming her back to the ring soon.”
With Nicolson out, British contender Tysie Gallagher has been elevated onto the main card, where she’ll face a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent in a super bantamweight clash.
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The card will still be headlined by a blockbuster women’s title unification between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, while Caroline Dubois will also defend her lightweight world titles.
Despite Nicolson’s withdrawal, August remains a massive month for Aussie women’s boxing, with fellow world champs Desley Robinson, Cherneka Johnson and Kaye Scott all set to defend their titles on the world stage.