Tiara Brown dethrones Skye Nicolson on hostile ground

March 22 brought one of the year’s biggest upsets when 36‑year‑old American Tiara Brown travelled to Sydney and defeated Australia’s Skye Nicolson to capture the WBC featherweight title.  Nicolson entered the bout undefeated and was expected to use her slick boxing to frustrate Brown, a former Washington, D.C. police officer.  Instead, Brown pressed forward all night, negating Nicolson’s jab and forcing her into exchanges.  After ten rounds two judges scored it 96‑94 and 97‑93 for Brown, while the third had it 96‑94 for Nicolson.  The split decision drew cheers and gasps from the Australian crowd.

Ring Magazine’s report noted that Brown’s corner urged her early to “let your hands go,” advice she followed as she ramped up her output in the middle rounds.  Nicolson landed clean left hands and body shots but struggled to keep the American off her.  By rounds 8 and 9 Brown’s relentless pressure had taken its toll, and the final stanza saw both women stand toe‑to‑toe in a firefight.  Afterward Brown, who improved to 19‑0, said her composure and pressure won the fight.  Promoter Eddie Hearn praised the new champion and hinted at a potential rematch.  For Nicolson the defeat was the first of her pro career but offered valuable lessons for any rematch down the line.