Women’s boxing could soon become part of the Saudi Arabian sports revolution with a potential bout between Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman. The two promotional giants, Queensberry and Matchroom, continue their rivalry, and rumors are swirling about a high-stakes match between Nicolson, the WBC featherweight champion, and Chapman, the undefeated contender.
Nicolson may defend her title against Chapman. This exciting matchup could be added to the undercard of the highly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 12.
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Saudi Arabia’s entry into boxing has facilitated collaborations among some of the sport’s biggest names, but women’s fights have been notably absent from these major events. A clash between Nicolson and Chapman would break this trend, marking a significant step for women's boxing on such a grand stage.
Nicolson secured her title by defeating Denmark’s Sarah Mahfoud in April and is set for her first defense against Dyana Vargas, who boasts a record of 19-1 with 12 KOs, on the undercard of the IBF welterweight title fight between Jaron Ennis and David Avanesyan in Philadelphia next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Chapman will return to the ring on July 27th at the Joe Joyce vs. Derek Chisora event in London, facing unbeaten Colombian Yohana Sarabia. If both Nicolson and Chapman emerge victorious from their respective bouts, their potential showdown in Saudi Arabia could be a historic moment for women’s boxing.
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