Nicolson Challenges Promoter's Claims: A Battle Beyond the Ring

Addressing Weight Class Misconceptions: Nicolson's Clarification on Fight Parameters

Skye Nicolson, the accomplished boxer, recently addressed public criticisms from MVP promoter Nakisa Bidarian regarding her fighting weight. Appearing on The Ariel x Ade Show, Nicolson clarified that her recent bout was intentionally held at 124 pounds, exceeding the standard super bantamweight limit of 122 pounds, as it was a non-title contest. She pointed out that this practice is quite common in boxing matches not vying for a championship, where fighters often compete slightly above their typical divisional weight. This explanation aimed to debunk Bidarian's assertion that her failure to meet the 122-pound mark demonstrated a disregard for her desired weight class. Notably, her opponent in that fight, Carla Gonzales, also did not meet the traditional 122-pound limit, further supporting Nicolson's stance on the nature of the match.

Rebutting Accusations of Disrespect and Promotional Value

Bidarian's critique extended beyond weight, questioning Nicolson's marketability and ability to headline events, suggesting she prioritize ticket sales and viewership over social media presence. He implied that current unified champion Ellie Scotney, also promoted by MVP, holds the power to dictate terms due to her championship status. Nicolson, with a record of 13 wins and 2 knockouts, dismissed these remarks with a mix of amusement and reasoned retort. She firmly stated that her upcoming fight, scheduled for August 23 in Australia against Urvashi Singh, is set at the precise 122-pound super bantamweight limit, intending to demonstrate her capability to comfortably make weight for championship contests.

Ambitions for Championship Glory: Targeting Unified Titles

Nicolson, at 29 years old, is not just looking to prove her weight-making ability. Her immediate focus is on securing world title fights. The bout against Singh will feature a minor IBF title, crucial for advancing her rankings. Her ultimate goal remains a unification fight with Ellie Scotney, viewing it as the most significant challenge and opportunity in her division. While acknowledging Scotney's current pursuit of undisputed status, Nicolson affirmed her persistent interest in and pursuit of that specific matchup, as well as other champions across the 122 and 126-pound categories.

Dispelling Rumors and Future Prospects

Beyond the current back-and-forth, Nicolson also addressed earlier rumors that she or her team had declined a fight with Scotney during their shared time under the Matchroom promotional banner. She denied these claims, asserting her consistent readiness for such a high-stakes encounter. Furthermore, Nicolson revealed her continued openness to fighting at featherweight, especially if a rematch with Tiara Brown were to materialize. Brown had previously caused an upset by defeating Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title. Nicolson explained that her decision to move divisions was not an avoidance of a rematch but a proactive step to continue her career momentum, as she was informed Brown had no interest in a return bout and no rematch clause was in place.

A Nod to Social Media and a Call for Respect

Concluding her response, Nicolson expressed a nuanced appreciation for MVP's impact on women's boxing, acknowledging their role in elevating female fighters. She playfully thanked Bidarian for his "compliment" about her social media prowess, inviting him to follow her online if he truly enjoyed her content. Despite the perceived personal nature of some of Bidarian's comments, Nicolson maintained a professional stance, emphasizing that she harbors "no hard feelings" and views such exchanges as merely "part of the game." This candid dialogue underscores the dynamic and often contentious landscape of professional boxing, where verbal jabs can be as impactful as those thrown in the ring.