Skye Nicolson defended her WBC women’s featherweight title with a convincing and technically excellent masterclass over England’s Raven Lawson, but many fans have criticized the spectacle.
Nicolson retained his title with another classy effort, winning 99-91 on one card and 98-92 on the other two.
His jab, footwork and precise power punches were too slick for seventh-ranked Chapman, who landed the occasional punch but couldn’t maintain any pressure.
After a couple of quiet rounds at the start, Nicolson began to find his range and had no problems in the second defense of his title.
However, the Australian star’s strategy did not impress many fans who wanted to see more action.
“Skye Nicholson, the most boring world champion in boxing history,” a fan posted on X.
“Pillow Fists Nicolson is the most boring fighter ever,” posted another.
A third account posted: ‘Every time I see Sky Nicolson fight, I’m not impressed. she’s always hunting heads, she only throws single shots, she doesn’t go to the body. always running. Really boring!’
Australian star Skye Nicolson has defended her world title
The skilled left-hander has received criticism from some fans for a “boring” show
There was also plenty of praise for the Australian’s skill level.
‘GREAT performance by Skye Nicolson. “Arguably the best pure boxer in women’s boxing,” one fan posted on X.
Another posted: ‘All the people in these comments shouting about ‘boring’… Should Skye Nicolson apologize for being fucking better than any opponent in her division? “Just sit back and enjoy the greatness, because that’s what we’re seeing.”
Nicolson was very elated with the victory.
“Happy to get the win, there’s still a lot more to do so I’m excited,” Nicolson told DAZN.
«We have barely scratched the surface. They still think they have cracked the code, but the code appears to remain intact.
Nicolson’s precise, powerful jab, footwork and punches were too much for Chapman.
Jai Opetaia retained his IBF cruiserweight boxing title with an excellent performance
‘I felt sharp. I had to beat her and I feel like that was a big key part of our game plan,” added Nicolson, who wants American Tiara Brown, ranked third at 17-0, to be her next challenger.
On the same card, Jai Opetaia retained his IBF cruiserweight boxing title with a masterful performance, stopping English challenger Jack Massey in the sixth round in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Opetaia dominated the entire time with his fast hands, cutting into his opponent’s face and punching him to the body.
European and Commonwealth champion Massey (22-3, 12 KOs), who fought 10 rounds at heavyweight with former champion Joseph Parker last year, showed plenty of toughness and landed some right hands, but was floored by a relentless opponent.
Opetaia picked up the pace in fifth, with 10th-placed Massey scarred under one eye and bleeding from the nose.
Two minutes into the sixth round, Massey’s corner threw in the towel to avoid further punishment for his man.
Opetaia had the commentators purring for a performance described as impeccable, ruthless and unpleasant.
The towel was thrown from Massey’s corner to end the fight at the Kingdom Arena
Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) remained on course for a title unification fight against the winner of next month’s fight between British WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith and Mexican Gilberto Ramirez.
“I hope that happens,” Opetaia said after the first defense of his second title reign.
‘I felt good, I knew Jack was coming to fight, I have nothing but respect for him.
“I want to thank my entire team enormously, we have had to overcome some obstacles to get to this ring.
“So many ups and downs, but we stayed strong, we stayed together and we got the win.”
