Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has confirmed the intention for Skye Nicolson to fight Miyo Yoshida at the end of the year, and given an insight into how they went from shooting barbs at each other to joining forces.
Nicolson recently signed on with MVP as part of the Jake Paul co-founded promotion company’s alliance with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
Skye Nicolson has withdrawn from her debut under MVP. Getty
The Australian Olympian and reigning WBC super bantamweight champion was scheduled to fight Japan’s Yoshida in Birmingham on August 30 (AEST) but that was postponed due to a sparring injury.
Taking to social media on Wednesday, the two-weight world champion boxer issued an apology to her fans and her opponent.
“I’m devastated to announce that, due to sustaining an injury in training last week, I have had to withdraw from my scheduled fight,” Nicolson said in a statement.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to Miyo Yoshida and her team for this delay.
“I have nothing but respect for Miyo and I’m looking forward to finally sharing the ring with her before the end of the year.”
Bidarian also confirmed that intention for a bout by the end of the year in an interview with nine.com.au.
“It’s unfortunate after we announced it she had an injury in sparring, and she will be back later this year, and the intention is to maintain that fight, yes,” he said.
It is a frustrating setback for Nicolson (16 wins, 1 loss) as the fight with her Japanese opponent was set to launch the new chapter with MVP.
In April, Nicolson had said to Fox Sports that MVP “need me” due to her drawing power and said her and Bidarian “haven’t had the nicest friendship”.
It came after Nicolson had called out MVP’s Ellie Scotney last year but Bidarian claimed she would struggle to make weight at 122lbs.
In May this year, Bidarian told nine.com.au he was willing to work with Nicolson despite previous barbs which then led to the moment he stood next to her as MVP’s newest signing.
Nakisa Bidaraian and Jake Paul. Getty Images for Netflix
The MVP boss has now given an insight into how it all came about.
“Skye Nicolson has done a tremendous job building her brand in the sport of boxing and I believe is one of the most marketable athletes in the sport,” he said.
“We already have three Australians (Cherneka Johnson, Desley Robinson and Ebanie Bridges) on the roster … adding Skye was logical given Ellie Scotney has moved out of the 122 division and is now focused on the 126, that means the 122 division was open, and I think Skye has the opportunity to be the face of that division in a very dominant way, so we wanted to work with her.
“We’ve had a history back-and-forth with Skye and MVP and as I said last week, some people say there was beef, what I say is beef makes good business.”
Despite the injury, Nicolson confirmed she will be heading to Orlando to support her fellow Australian world champions and other athletes.
“The positive news is that while I’m recovering, I’ll be heading to Orlando this weekend for the MVPW-05 event, where I’m excited to support my fellow Australian world champions and many other incredible athletes,” she wrote.
“A new date for my fight with Yoshida will be locked in very soon, and I can’t wait to get back in the gym, back to full health, and back doing what I love.
“Thank you to everyone for your continued support and understanding.”
The August 30 card in Birmingham will continue despite Nicolson’s absence, headlined by a blockbuster women’s title bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron.