Nicolson outclasses Briton Chapman in historic fight

Australia's Skye Nicolson defended her WBC featherweight world title with a stylish points win over Briton Raven Chapman in Saudi Arabia.

The 29-year-old was in full flow, picking her opponent apart with some terrific counter-punching at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena.

Norwich-born Chapman, 30, was aggressive and landed the odd single blow but struggled with the champion's movements and superior boxing skills.

Queensland's Nicolson was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.

The bout - taking place on the undercard of the undisputed light-heavyweight bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol - was the first female world-title fight to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Nicolson extends her unbeaten record to 12 straight pro wins, while Chapman is defeated for the first time in her 10th fight.

"There's still so much more to go. I'm excited. We're still scratching the surface," Nicolson said.

Chapman said her come-forward approach would cause Nicolson problems and she started well by taking the centre of the ring and cutting off the ring with her jittery style.

Nicolson's coach told her to "get busier" after the second - and from then on it was pure dominance from the champion.

Having taken a right hand in the third, she responded with some smart counter-punching, landing a left and uppercut from her southpaw stance.

Underdog Chapman, whose career has gone slightly under the radar, is highly rated in boxing circles and pundits predicted it could have been closer than the odds suggested.

She connected with a right hand in the eighth and ninth but could not follow it up as a smiling Nicolson – who had promised to put on a show – moved swiftly out of range.

Chapman's corner told their fighter she needed a knockout before the final round but it was Nicolson who ended the fight on top.

The women embraced at the final bell, with Nicolson blowing a kiss to the TV camera before the scorecards were read out.

Nicolson, who is based in the UK, won the vacant title in April with a win over Denmark's Sarah Mahfoud in Las Vegas and will now target unification fights.

She called for a fight with American Tiara Brown, who has won all 17 pro bouts, next.