Humbug! Ellie Scotney misses out on Christmas treats to be ready to defend super-bantamweight world titles

Ellie Scotney will finally be able to open her Christmas chocolate advent calendar after tomorrow night’s world title defences.

The 26-year-old from Catford puts her IBF and WBO super-bantamweight belts on the line against mandatory challenger Mea Motu at Nottingham Arena.

Scotney had been due to face the same opponent in October but tore her calf.  That saw the bout pushed back until the start of this year and also meant the South Londoner was in a 10-week training camp over the festive period.

Scotney only boxed once in 2024 – outpointing Segolene Lefebvre in a unification clash.

“It was a horrific year,” she said.  “I had to pull out of the Motu fight after my injury – we battled and pushed and asked for an extra six weeks. We tried to get it on a show in Monte Carlo and they had nothing for me. It has been very frustrating – testing.

“But now I’m boxing the first month of the year and, God-willing, if everything goes to plan then it will be a very active year for me.

“The dream would be to box four times this year and become undisputed champion.

“If managers and promoters are willing to pay then you always get the fights on. I’m willing to fight anyone in my division. I have shown that from the get-go – as long as they are willing to put their hands in their pockets.”

New Zealander Motu, 35, is 20-0 in the professional ranks.

The challenger has boxed 23 more rounds than Scotney, who also brings an unbeaten record – 9-0 – to the table.

“She is coming with nothing to lose and that, in a fighter, is very dangerous,” said Scotney, who turned professional in late 2020.

“She is aggressive, come-forward and is strong. She will be there all night. I’ve got to be smart and pick the right punches at the right time.

“This fight has been a long time coming. It’s meant I’ve had to sacrifice my Christmas dinner – I’ll be taking that out on her. My favourite part of the meal is the box of Heroes afterwards. Give me a box of them and I’m on my way!

“It’s worth the sacrifice of missing a Christmas. I feed people if I want something. That’s why my brother has put on about four stones in this training camp!”

PICTURE: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM