Skye high! Catford’s Ellie Scotney sets sights on Australia’s Nicholson after successful world title defences

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Ellie Scotney is ready to move up a weight class to land a high-profile fight after successfully defending her world titles in Nottingham on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old from Catford (10-0) won a wide unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Mea Motu (20-1) to retain her IBF and WBO super-bantamweight belts.

Scotney also holds the prestigious Ring Magazine strap.

The South Londoner has talked about her desire to become undisputed in her division but equally would make the move now if there was a lucrative bout to be had.

And Scotney has Australia’s Skye Nicholson in her sights.

Nicholson is also undefeated and holds the WBC featherweight title.

Both fighters are promoted by Matchroom which should, in theory, make a match-up easier to make.

Asked if she wanted to face Nicholson, Scotney told 5 Live Boxing: “One hundred per cent.

“I want to become undisputed but if people are not willing to make the fights (she would move up in weight). I want the big fights and Skye Nicholson would give me that profile. That is a fight I love. I’m just pushing.”

Scotney had ice packs on the backs of both her calves after the Motu bout.

An injury in that area had forced the champion to postpone facing the same opponent last year.

“I think it was in the fourth round that my calves proper seized up and it was killing,” said Scotney. “But we have to get on with it. It was the least of my worries when you have got punches coming at you..

“She was tough and she made me work for it. She was 20-0 and I felt like everyone was avoiding her. I proved a point tonight. I’ve had 10 fights and I hope people start to respect me because she’d had double my fights and double my stoppages.”

Scotney has performed well under the tutelage of Shane McGuigan.

Since turning professional she has dropped very few rounds on the scorecards and has never been anything less than a unaimous victor when it goes to the judges.

Scotney was cut in the first round after a clash of heads. McGuigan said: “She has been cut many, many times before and she has learned to deal with it.

“Unfortunately in her 10 fights she has seen some scars. We have got this saying: ‘Keep it simple’. It is the most important thing. Sometimes she can overcomplicate things and that’s why if she asks 50 questions I give her one or two answers.

“It (Nicholson) is the best fight out there. It is the most logical fight out there. Skye Nicholson is right in the pomp of her career. It is a fight we’ll be pushing for and at a weight that will suit Ellie a lot more. She will feel stronger and more vibrant at that weight.”