Skye Nicolson beats Sarah Mahfoud to claim WBC featherweight title
Nicolson's impressive win extends her perfect record to 10-0. However, her ambition extends far beyond this singular title. In a post-fight interview, she issued a bold challenge to the reigning WBA, WBO, and IBF champion, Amanda Serrano.
Skye Nicolson, a 2020 Olympic quarterfinalist, opted to pursue the opportunity to compete for the WBC featherweight title rather than taking a shortcut to it. She demonstrated her determination by delivering an impressive performance, defeating former IBF titleholder Sarah Mahfoud decisively in a ten-round bout. Nicolson secured victory with scores of 100-90, 100-90, and 99-91, claiming the vacant WBC title at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Reflecting on her accomplishment, Nicolson expressed the immense significance of the moment, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to seizing it in the ring.
Skill and Grit Propel Nicolson to Victory
Despite the shortened rounds, Nicolson showcased her exceptional skill and athleticism throughout the Mahfoud fight. Her precise jab effectively controlled the distance, preventing Mahfoud from landing any significant blows. As the fight progressed, Nicolson's confidence grew, and she began to take control, landing clean left straights.
Nicolson's bout against Mahfoud was featured on the DAZN undercard of the Richardson Hitchins-Gustavo Lemos IBF junior welterweight title eliminator. Throughout the match, Nicolson showcased excellent use of her jab and straight left hand, displaying precision and control in her attacks. Despite Mahfoud's efforts to stay within Nicolson's range, she struggled to effectively counter or defend against Nicolson's offensive onslaught.
As the fight progressed, Nicolson grew more assertive, landing powerful straight left hands and looping shots to the body. While Mahfoud managed some success with her jab later in the fight, it wasn't enough to close the significant gap on the scorecards. In the closing moments of the bout, Nicolson celebrated to the crowd, which Mahfoud perceived as excessive, initially turning away from Nicolson's post-fight embrace.
However, the two eventually exchanged congratulations after the scorecards were announced. With this defeat, Mahfoud's record fell to 14-2 (3 KOs), following a three-fight win streak that had been interrupted by a loss to Amanda Serrano in their September 2022 unification bout, where Mahfoud's IBF title reign ended.
A Champion Willing to Adapt
Serrano, ranked No. 4 pound-for-pound, decided to relinquish her title after the WBC declined to sanction her fights for twelve, three-minute rounds, a departure from the traditional ten, two-minute rounds in women's title fights. Nicolson found it ironic that Serrano only made this decision once it aligned with her preferences. Nicolson, however, declined the offer to upgrade her interim title, finding satisfaction in defeating a former titleholder in just her tenth professional bout. While acknowledging Serrano's status as one of the greatest female boxers, Nicolson expressed readiness to face her in the ring, extending an invitation as the newly crowned WBC titlist.
She emphasized her willingness to compete over twelve, three-minute rounds if necessary, despite her respect for the WBC's rules regarding round duration. For Nicolson, the desire to face Serrano is about pursuing the belts rather than any personal animosity, and she reaffirmed her readiness to step into the ring whenever Serrano is prepared.
Rising Star on the Undercard: Yafai Extends Undefeated Streak
The undercard of the Nicolson-Mahfoud fight also saw a noteworthy performance. Great Britain's Gal Yafai, the 2020 Olympic flyweight champion, maintained his undefeated professional career with a stoppage victory against Argentinean opponent Agustin Gauto. Yafai's impressive display of boxing skill and relentless pressure ultimately forced the referee to intervene in the eighth round.
A Bright Future for Women's Boxing?
Nicolson's dominant win and Yafai's continued success highlight the growing pool of talent in professional boxing. However, Nicolson's victory also sparks renewed discussion about gender equality in the sport. Her challenge to Serrano, coupled with her willingness to adapt to different round lengths, could be a pivotal moment in pushing for fairer treatment for female boxers.
The future remains uncertain – will a unification fight with Serrano materialize, and under what conditions? One thing is undeniable: Skye Nicolson is a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division. Her exceptional talent, combined with her vocal advocacy for equality, has the potential to pave the way for a more equitable and exciting future for women's boxing.
