Skye Nicolson, a two-division world champion and one of the most accomplished fighters in women's boxing, has officially joined Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The signing, announced earlier this week, marks a significant shift in the landscape of women's professional boxing as the Australian star leaves longtime promoter Matchroom to align with the rapidly growing MVP brand.
Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs) turned professional after representing Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she competed in the featherweight division. Prior to that, she captured a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on home soil in Gold Coast, cementing her status as one of the nation's top amateur boxers. Throughout her amateur career, Nicholson amassed over 60 fights, showcasing technical prowess and an aggressive style that translated seamlessly to the paid ranks.
During her tenure with Matchroom, Nicholson quickly ascended through the professional ranks. She won the WBC featherweight world title in 2024 by defeating a tough opponent in a unification bout, then successfully defended it twice before suffering a heartbreaking split-decision loss to Tiara Brown in 2025. Rather than stay at 126 pounds, Nicholson made the strategic decision to drop down to junior featherweight (122 pounds), where she has since reeled off four consecutive victories, the last of which earned her the vacant WBC belt at that weight class.
At only 30 years old, Nicholson possesses a rare combination of skill, experience, and marketability. Her move to MVP places her on a promotional roster that includes six of the top 10 women's pound-for-pound fighters according to ESPN's ranking, including Amanda Serrano, Mikaela Mayer, Chantelle Cameron, and others. This concentration of elite talent under one banner provides the possibility of high-profile fights that could define a generation in women's boxing.
Nicolson is scheduled to make her MVP debut on August 29 against Japanese contender Miya Yoshido. The bout will take place in Birmingham, England, as part of the undercard for the highly anticipated rematch between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron. This positioning immediately places Nicholson in the spotlight, fighting alongside another marquee female fighter in a card that will be broadcast on ESPN and Sky Sports.
The move itself is historic, as Nicholson becomes the first boxer to compete under the new collaborative partnership between MVP and Matchroom. The deal, negotiated in early 2025, allows fighters from each stable to cross-promote and create more compelling matchups. Matchroom's Eddie Hearn and MVP's Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian have been vocal about wanting to break down promotional barriers in boxing, and this signing is a tangible result of that vision.
In a statement released by MVP, Nicholson expressed her excitement about the next chapter. “Women's boxing is entering a new era, and I want to be right at the centre of it. This partnership with MVP and Matchroom gives me the opportunity to chase legacy, compete in the biggest fights out there, and help continue pushing women's boxing forward. My goal has always been to test myself against the very best and be involved in the biggest fights in women's boxing. I truly believe this move puts me in the best possible position to do exactly that.”
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP alongside Jake Paul, praised Nicholson's credentials. “Skye is one of the most recognizable athletes in women's boxing today. As a two-division world champion, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Olympian, and one of Australia's biggest stars, she represents the caliber of athlete we're building MVP around. Since launching MVPW, our mission has been to create the premier global platform for women's boxing by bringing together the sport's biggest champions and delivering the biggest fights. Skye shares that vision and ambition, and together we're excited to help create the defining moments of the next chapter of her career.”
The signing also continues MVP's aggressive expansion into the women's boxing sphere. Jake Paul, who started the promotion primarily for men's YouTube and professional boxing events, pivoted strongly toward female talent after seeing the success of his stablemate Amanda Serrano. Serrano, a seven-weight world champion, has headlined multiple MVP cards and became the first female fighter to earn a multi-million dollar purse. The addition of Nicholson further solidifies MVPW as the dominant force in women's boxing promotion.
From a historical perspective, Nicholson's career arc mirrors the broader growth of women's boxing. When she turned pro in 2021, women's fights were still being relegated to undercards with little television time. Now, with stars like Serrano, Mayer, Cameron, and Savannah Marshall headlining major events and receiving lucrative broadcast deals, the landscape is fundamentally different. Nicholson noted during the signing announcement that the timing is perfect to capitalize on the wave of interest and investment.
The move also has implications for the Australian boxing scene. Nicholson joins a growing list of Australian female fighters making an impact on the world stage, including Ebanie Bridges, Cherneka Johnson, and Nina Hughes. Each has contributed to raising the profile of boxing in Australia, which now regularly produces world-class talent. Nicholson's switch to MVP gives her access to bigger promotional machinery and potentially larger domestic broadcasting rights in Australia, where MVP has begun to secure distribution deals.
Looking ahead, the most tantalizing possibility is a showdown with Amanda Serrano. Nicholson has repeatedly expressed a desire to face the Puerto Rican legend, and Serrano has acknowledged the interest. The two currently sit at different weight classes—Nicholson at 122 pounds (junior featherweight) and Serrano at 126 pounds (featherweight)—but a catchweight bout could be negotiated. Given MVP's control over both fighters, such a fight would be relatively easy to make compared to cross-promotional bouts, and it would almost certainly be a massive pay-per-view event.
Before that potential blockbuster, Nicholson must first handle Yoshido. Miya Yoshido is a seasoned Japanese fighter known for her durability and aggressive style. She has competed for regional titles and has never been stopped. For Nicholson, this represents a tune-up of sorts, but one that requires focus. A solid performance in August will keep the momentum building and set the stage for bigger names in 2026.
The broader boxing industry is watching closely to see how the MVP-Matchroom partnership affects other fighters. If Nicholson's transition is smooth and yields a major fight, it could trigger a domino effect where other boxers request similar cross-promotional flexibility. For now, Nicholson is focused on her debut and the legacy she intends to build. With a perfect blend of amateur pedigree, professional achievements, and a vibrant personality, Skye Nicholson is poised to become a cornerstone of women's boxing's new era.
Source: MSN News