BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 11: Australian boxer Skye Nicolson poses during a media opportunity at ... [+] Emporium South Hotel on January 11, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Getty Images WBC women’s featherweight champion Skye Nicolson (12-0, 1 KO) is set to defend her title on home soil in Australia this Saturday. The 29-year-old southpaw will face undefeated American contender Tiara Brown (18-0, 11 KOs) at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in a highly anticipated showdown presented by Matchroom Boxing, streaming live on DAZN. Brown, who has yet to taste defeat in the ring, will be challenging for her first world title, making this a pivotal fight for both boxers. A victory for Nicolson could set the stage for major unification bouts later this year, furthering her status in the division. A trailblazer for women’s boxing in Australia, Nicolson won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast before representing her country at the Tokyo Olympics. With Amanda Serrano vacating the WBC title in late 2023, Skye Nicolson seized the opportunity, delivering a dominant, near-shutout victory over former world champion and No. 2-ranked Sarah Mahfoud. Boxing is deeply rooted in Nicolson’s family history. Her older brother, Jamie, was a promising rising star in boxing, but tragically lost his life alongside their brother Gavin in a car accident in 1994 while heading to training—just a year before Skye was born. Jamie had represented Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and won World and Commonwealth gold in Moscow (1989) and Auckland (1990). Years later, Nicolson has carved out her own legacy in the sport, rising to become one of Australia’s most accomplished women in boxing. In anticipation of her title defence, Nicolson gave insights on her upcoming bout with Brown. Skye Nicolson: Mentality & Fight Expectations RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 12: Skye Nicolson of Australia punches Raven Chapman of the UK during ... [+] their bout as part of the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images). Getty Images Q: How do you mentally prepare for a high-stakes match like this, especially knowing your opponent is coming in with everything to gain? Nicolson: "High-pressure situations bring out the best in me. When everything is on the line, and my opponent has nothing to lose, I thrive. The higher the stakes, the more I rise to the occasion. I’m especially excited for this fight because it’s my homecoming as world champion, and I’m fighting an undefeated fighter. Tiara Brown is probably the most avoided fighter in the division, and there’s a reason for that—she’s definitely a challenge. But I’m confident that the pressure will bring out the best in me. I feel like I was born for this, and I’ve been preparing for moments like this my whole life. I’m so confident in my ability and my preparation. I give 100% when training for a fight, especially with stakes like these. Staying at the top is as tough as getting there, but I feel ready. I go into every fight with no doubts. Some might see my confidence as arrogance, but I know myself and know I’ve done everything to be the best version of myself in the ring. I feel unbeatable, and I’m ready to prove that on Saturday." MORE FOR YOU FBI Warns Chrome, Safari And Edge Users—Do Not Use These Websites ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Has Turned Out To Be Bad Tesla Stock Slides Another 5% As More Firms Warn Of Musk-Led Company’s ‘Sales Woes’ Q: Do you anticipate this being more of a tactical match, or are you expecting a drawn-out war? Nicolson: "I’m a very technical and tactical fighter. I control the pace and the distance of the fight, and that’s how I like to approach things. Tiara Brown will try to disrupt that, though. Her game plan will likely be to not let me get into my rhythm and to throw off my flow, because she knows that’s where I’m at my best. I’m expecting an aggressive but calculated approach from her. But I’m prepared for anything. Whether she tries to smother me with pressure or box from a distance and make me come to her, I’ve got the answers for whatever strategy she brings. It’s always about being ready for every possibility, and I feel prepared for anything she decides to do." Skye Nicolson: Homecoming & Fight Mentality RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 12: Skye Nicolson celebrates victory over Raven Chapman (not ... [+] pictured) during the Women's WBC World Featherweight title fight between Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman as part of the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) Getty Images Q: What does it mean to you to defend your WBC featherweight title on home soil? Nicolson: "I’ve been looking forward to this moment. This is my third world title defense and my fourth world title fight, and it feels like the perfect timing. To be fighting such a talented and experienced opponent in front of my home crowd means so much to me. The support of my family, friends, and the nation will make a huge difference, especially if the fight gets tough. It’s not just about me; I’m fighting for everyone who’s supported me along the way. I’ve fought in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, so to be back in Australia for such a big event is truly special. I can’t wait for the moment I step into the arena next Saturday—it’s going to be unforgettable." Q: What statement do you want to make with this match? Nicolson: "I believe I’m the best featherweight boxer in the world, and I think Tiara Brown feels the same. This fight will prove who the best female featherweight is. It’s a big statement, and there’s a lot of pressure, but I’m ready for it. I know there are still doubters in the boxing world who question my abilities, and I think many see this fight as my biggest test yet. My goal is to pass this test with flying colors and prove the doubters wrong. I’m not just some ‘girly girl,’ as Tiara Brown calls me, or a ‘spoiled princess.’ I work incredibly hard, and I have all the skills. I can do more than just box on the back foot—I can do it all. This fight is the perfect stage to showcase everything I’m capable of." Skye Nicolson’s path from a young amateur boxer to an undefeated world champion has been forged by passion, setbacks, and a growing love for the sport. Her next big test comes in the form of Kiera Brown, and Nicolson is ready. Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades