Skye Nicolson’s homecoming world title defence didn’t go according to plan, dropping a split points decision (97-93, 96-94, 94-96) to American challenger Tiara Brown in Sydney on Saturday.
The Australian southpaw was the clear fan favourite but it didn’t bother Brown, who made good on her word to take the fight to Nicolson and rough up the undefeated champion.
Brown was successful in closing the distance on the champion and negating her skills at range.
MORE: All the results and highlights from Kambosos vs. Wyllie
Nicolson had some bright moments but can have no arguments with the decision.
Brown moves to a formidable 19-0, while Nicolson slips to 12-1.
Earlier, Cherneka Johnson retained her WBA bantamweight title with an emphatic round seven TKO victory over Nina Hughes.
Johnson relieved Hughes of her belt in somewhat controversial circumstances last May but there was no doubt this time around, with the Gold Coast-based 30-year-old turning in a dominant performance to defend the belt on home soil.
Hughes’ nose was bloodied in the opening rounds and Johnson’s accuracy and speed eventually proved too much, seeing her opponent’s corner throw the towel in.
Here’s how it all went down:
Skye Nicolson vs. Tiara Brown updates and highlights
Round 10: Both fighters leave it all out there in an action-packed final round, with Nicolson landing some clean hooks through the middle stages. Brown was able to come back strongly and fight to the final bell. Who knows what the judges will come up with here.
Round 9: Brown lands a nice combo as she backs up the champ on the ropes. Several more hooks connect for the American as Nicolson’s movement slows.
Round 8: Another round in which Brown managed to close the distance and get to work. The challenger could well be up here, depending on what the judges are looking for. Nicolson may need these last two.
Round 7: Florida’s Brown is the busier in the clinch and that’s where much of the fight is taking place at the moment. Nicolson may be better served to keep this one at range.
Round 6: Brown continues her gameplan of closing the distance and looking to rough up Nicolson in the clinch. They each get a warning for their work in the clinch. Another tight one. Good luck to the judges here.
Round 5: Nicolson sits down on a couple of left hands through the middle of the round. Brown is getting to the champion but it looks as if the Aussie’s class may be coming to the fore as challenger slows down a touch.
Round 4: Brown is definitely the more aggressive of the pair but Nicolson is parrying or slipping most of the shots. They clinch and work on the inside but, again, no major shots landing.
Round 3: The American takes the fight to the southpaw on several occasions in the third and has some success. Tough rounds to score, it must be said. The momentum is there for the taking for either fighter.
Round 2: More action that round as Nicolson fires off some lengthy counters as Brown enters. Nothing too significant landed. Champion takes it for us.
Round 1: A very watchful round from both to start. Nicolson off the back foot but Brown not moving forward with any great intent to start. Take your pick for who gets that one. Possibly a 10-10?
9:17pm: Both fighters are in the ring and there’s no doubt about who the fan favourite is as Nicolson receives a huge cheer. It’s go time.
9:08pm: Nicolson and Brown are about to begin their rings walks. Fight moments away now!
What time is Skye Nicolson vs. Tiara Brown?
Nicolson vs. Brown is the second last fight on the card, which should mean it starts around 9pm AEDT, depending on the length of earlier fights.
The live broadcast is due to begin at 7pm AEDT, while the main event is expected to kick off around 10pm AEDT.
How to watch Skye Nicolson vs. Tiara Brown: TV channel, live stream
In Australia, the entire Kambosos vs. Wyllie card will air exclusively on streaming platform DAZN.
The broadcast is due to begin at 7pm AEDT.
Click here to watch Kambosos vs. Wyllie on DAZN
Alternatively, why not enjoy the ultimate viewing experience and catch Kambosos vs. Wyllie live on big screens at venues near you?
Find which venues are airing the fight by visiting the SportsPick website or by downloading the app.
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George Kambosos vs. Jake Wyllie fight card
Bouts and order subject to change
- George Kambosos vs. Jake Wyllie; super lightweight
- Skye Nicolson (c) vs. Tiara Brown for the WBC featherweight title
- Cherneka Johnson (c) vs. Nina Hughes 2 for the WBA bantamweight title
- Imam Khataev vs. Durval Elias Palacio; light heavyweight
- Teremoana Junior vs. James Singh; heavyweight
- Hemi Ahio vs. Aekkaphob Auraiwan; heavyweight
- Jayden Buan vs. Jordan Kasilieris; super lightweight
