Skye Nicolson finally has a new date for her world title defence against Japan’s Miyo Yoshida, with the Aussie superstar set to return to the ring as part of a blockbuster four-title card in Texas.
Most Valuable Promotions announced on Tuesday that Nicolson will defend her WBC super bantamweight crown against three-time, two-division world champion Yoshida at College Park Center in Arlington on Sunday, November 8 – Monday, November 9 in Australia.
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The fight was originally scheduled to take place earlier this month before Nicolson was forced to withdraw through injury, putting her MVP debut on hold.
Now the 30-year-old Queenslander is officially back.
“I’m excited to announce we have a new date locked in,” Nicolson said.
“Having to withdraw due to injury was incredibly frustrating, especially after everything that went into preparing for this fight, but unfortunately these things happen in elite sport.
Aussie boxing champion Skye NicolsonSource: FOX SPORTS
“The focus now is completely on moving forward and taking on Miyo Yoshida in what I know will be a great fight.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in there, putting on a big performance and making sure everyone and anyone in my way is officially put on notice.
“This delay has only made me hungrier. I’ll be ready to make a big statement for Australia on fight night and finish the year exactly where I want to be.”
And Nicolson’s return comes at an important time for Australian women’s boxing.
It has been a brutal month for the nation’s world champions, with Desley Robinson, Kaye Scott and Cherneka Johnson all losing their belts in August.
Nicolson now gets the chance to stop that run and finish 2026 with Aussie boxing still holding one of the sport’s major women’s world titles.
Nicolson will be making the first defence of her full WBC super bantamweight title after being elevated to champ status in May when undisputed champion Ellie Scotney vacated the belt.
The 2020 Olympian will also be making her first appearance since signing with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
Standing across from her will be the massively experienced Yoshida, who has previously held world titles across two divisions and is looking to upset the popular Queenslander.
Yoshida says she is very well aware she will enter as the underdog.
“Many people see Skye Nicolson as the favourite and I understand why as she is an excellent fighter,” Yoshida said.
“But I have dedicated my life to boxing and I am prepared to give everything for this opportunity.
“I promise the fans will see a fearless Miyo Yoshida. I will bring the heart of Japan, my experience as a three-time world champion and everything I have into this fight.
“On fight night, I believe the world will see me crowned as the new WBC super bantamweight champion.”
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Nicolson-Yoshida will form part of a stacked MVPW-07 card featuring four world championship fights, headlined by American superstar Alycia Baumgardner’s bid to become a two-division champion.
Baumgardner, the unified super featherweight champion and one of the biggest names in women’s boxing, is stepping up to lightweight to throw down with undefeated IBF champ Elif Nur Turhan.
“When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different,” Baumgardner said.
“Sunday, November 8 is a superfight, the kind of fight boxing deserves, and the beginning of my next chapter.
“I know what it takes to become undisputed. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.”
In another major title showdown, undefeated WBC featherweight champion Tiara Brown will defend against former undisputed super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney.
Scotney is moving up to 126lbs as she attempts to become a two-division world champion.
“I can’t wait for the next chapter to begin at 126lbs, where I truly believe the world will see the best of me,” Scotney said.
“It’s time to make more history.”
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Rounding out the four-fight championship main card, Somali-British contender Ramla Ali will square off with undefeated American Mikiah Kreps for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight titles.
“Mikiah and I have sparred probably a hundred rounds together,” Ali said.
“I have a lot of respect for her, and I know her journey in boxing hasn’t been easy either.
“We both know we’ll leave everything in that ring.”