“It’s going to be a great fight and I’m looking forward to it.”
Elliott, who works as a waitress and is just about to start a four-year course to become a physiotherapist, is early in her professional boxing career.
She has an undefeated pro-record of three wins since her debut last year.
However, she is an experienced amateur boxer, winning the 2021 New Zealand National Boxing Championship in the junior division.
Elliott got into boxing following the pathway of her father, owner of Putāruru’s Ace Fighters gym, retired boxer and horse trainer Nigel Elliott.
“What first got me into boxing was … my dad’s encouragement and him introducing me to the sport with him becoming a coach,” she said.
“I’ve loved boxing ever since … It’s taught me many things which [have] had a positive impact on every aspect of my life: confidence, determination and discipline.”
The more experience Saskia gained in boxing, the more Nigel’s role changed. He is now not only her father but also trainer, manager and promoter.
“It means the world to me [to have] my dad as my coach and promoter and being able to follow in his footsteps,” she said.
“He’s supported and encouraged me throughout my boxing journey and I couldn’t do it without him.
“His past in boxing has made me proud and [I am] fortunate [to be] able to do what he has done.”
Saskia said her father was able to relate to what she is going through in the sport.
“[He has been] helping push me to perform my best and get through the toughest challenges and training.”
Between amateur and pro
Saskia said she liked that her amateur boxing career has allowed her to travel a bit: she has competed in Australia, Samoa and most recently, Brazil.
Saskia Elliott will fight Leah Reuben for the WBA Oceania super bantamweight title on July 31 as part of a BX-9 event. Photo / BX-9
“Being able to explore and participate in competitions [across the world] … and being able to train, spar and compete with the best [is special].
“My biggest achievements would be all the wins and learnings I have gained along the way … being able to represent New Zealand … [and] excelling in the sport that I love and how far I have come.”
In addition to a decent amateur career, Elliott started boxing professionally as she started to make a bigger name for herself.
“I felt like I had enough experience and skill … to begin creating new experiences and opportunities in my boxing career.
“[Pro and amateur boxing] both have different qualities that I enjoy.
“[There are] more rounds in professional and amateur [is] more fast-pace. But I enjoy both, any fight is a good experience.”
Saskia Elliott is an experienced amateur boxer, winning the 2021 New Zealand National Boxing Championship in the junior division.
Like many boxers, Elliott aspires to become a world champion.
“I still have a long way to go, but this is my goal with hard training and discipline with my coach, family and friends in my corner.”
Eyes on the prize
For now, Saskia is focused on the WBA Oceania super bantamweight title fight against Reuben.
Reuben is currently ranked in the top 30 on Boxrec and holds a pro record of five wins, two losses and one draw, with one win by way of knockout.
Reuben also currently holds the ANBF Australasain super bantamweight title after defeating Nelson’s Christine Gillespie in October.
Saskia said she is not worried, however.
“[The fight] would be … opening up many different opportunities for next fights and [allow me to be] rising up as a professional in the ranks towards one day getting a chance to fight for a world title.”
The more Saskia Elliott got into boxing, the more Nigel’s role changed. He is now not only her father but also trainer, manager and promoter.
Though sometimes, where one door opens, another closes.
Saskia had to give up on her Commonwealth Games dream as she is not eligible for selection because she hasn’t met all requirements, including having more than three international tournaments in the past year.
“But instead of dwelling, I’m focusing on a new goal towards winning this title.
“I still have many opportunities in my amateur career … so I will not be finishing up my [amateur] career just yet.
“I still have a goal of being able to compete in the Olympic Games in the coming years.”
Saskia Elliott versus Leah Reuben will take place at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on July 31. Tickets are on sale at Eventfinda and the bouts will be live on PPV with CSN.WATCH.
Current confirmed card
WBA Oceania Super Middleweight title
10×3 min rounds
Francis Waitai (Waikato) v Cowin Ray (South Africa/Auckland)
WBA Gold Atomweight title and WBA world title eliminator
10×2 min rounds
Emma Nesbitt (New Zealand) v Madoka Wada (Japan)
WBA Oceania Super Bantamweight title
10×2 min rounds
Saskia Elliott (Waikato) v Leah Reuben (Australian)
BX-9 Welterweight Championship – Semi-finals
8×3 min rounds
Dane Edge (Christchurch) v John Ume (Papua New Guinea)
Riley Allen (Australia) v Paul Tonga (Napier)
5×3 min rounds
Keanu Naden (Niue/Auckland) v Adrian Paoletti (Australia)
6×2 min rounds
Mia Evans (Auckland) v Sarah Linton (Masterton)
5×3 min rounds
Jordan Collins (Wellington) vs Amato Mataika (Auckland)
Hyper Combat – Heavyweight
5×2 min rounds
Dhcamad Armstrong (Kaikohe) v Niwa Barlow (Whanganui)
Semi-Pro Boxing – Light Heavyweight
3×3 min rounds
Charl Ackerman (Auckland) v Purcell Placid (Auckland)
Jaspaa Stowers (Australia) v Noah Collier (Auckland)
Harlan Tai (Auckland) v Marley Dasey (Auckland)
Luca Mamic (Auckland) v Lucas Potter (Whangārei)
Benjamin Watt is a retired boxing judge and New Zealand boxing writer with a decade of experience. Watt has also been BoxRec’s New Zealand record-keeper since 2014.