Ellie Scotney makes successful defence of IBF world super-bantamweight title

BY JACK BURGESS

Ellie Scotney marked her first defence of the IBF world super-bantamweight with a unanimous points victory over Argentinian Laura Soledad Griffa at Wembley Arena last night – with scores of 100-90, 100-91 and 99-91 from the three judges.

Catford-raised Scotney paid tribute to her grandmother, who passed away just a month ago, in her ring walk with the song ‘come on Eileen’ dedicated to her.

Scotney engaged from the off and rocked Griffa with two left hooks in the first round, which set the tone for a dominant display by the 24-year-old.

Moving into the third, a resolute Griffa’s durability was routinely tested, as she recklessly walked into a series of left hooks and right hands, with Scotney landing several clean punches.

The fifth round saw Scotney hit Griffa with a calculated left, but the resilient Argentinian was able to ride the wave. The 37-year-old was able to frustrate Scotney through constant clinching, aiming to prevent the South Londoner from finding any rhythm.

Griffa caused a few problems of her own in the home straight, landing a right uppercut in the ninth.

The 10th round saw Griffa step forward relentlessly – knowing that only a knockout would get her the win – but Scotney was able to see out the round almost unscathed and successfully defend her world title.

Although not the most compelling of performances, Scotney was always able to keep her opponent within range and maintained control of the fight throughout.

After a first successful defence of the IBF world super-bantamweight title, Scotney now has the possibility of three different avenues in a pursuit for further world titles.

She could target Venezuelan Mayerlin Rivas, who is the WBA champion, Mexico’s Yamileth Mercado, who holds the WBC title, or Argentine Debora Dionicius, the WBO ruler.

Scotney would go into any of these three fights with the expectation of a victory, with a realistic chance of eventually becoming an undisputed world title holder up for grabs.

PICTURES: MATCHROOM BOXING