Nicolson and Scott lead Australia to best ever result

Australian boxers Kaye Scott and Skye Nicolson have both won their way into the semi-finals of the Women’s Boxing World Championships in Kazakhstan.

It’s already Australia’s best ever result at a Women’s World Championships.

Scott had a unanimous points decision against Morroco’s Soukayna Rabih in the 81kg division, while Nicolson was too strong for Turkey’s Gamze Basar in the 64kg.

“She was an aggressive opponent, but I executed my game plan well,” Nicolson said.

“I made her desperate and it made counter attacking easier. I felt very good leading into this competition, I had a great camp and am feeling confident.”

Scott was thrilled with her win, and said she was adjusting well to fighting in a heavier division than usual.

“I am unbelievably excited and happy and emotional,” she said.

“I’m certainly not a natural 81kg fighter. I weigh in most mornings at just 77kg. fully hydrated and eating all meals!

“But I’m not too bothered. Strength and fitness are my best assets. A lot of these other girls don’t have my fitness level so I can wear them down.

“But I do have to take a little extra care with my defence, as the extra weight can make  big difference in their punching power.”

Both Scott and Nicolson narrowly missed winning their way to selection to compete in the Olympic weight divisions, but Scott said this week had compensated for that disappointment.

“My reset goal after that was to win a medal at worlds, now my job is to make sure it’s a gold one,” she said.

“After suffering my Olympic qualifier defeat in February I had a week off to recover emotionally and physically. After the rawness of defeat settled down, my coach and I were able to plan ahead and reset my boxing career goals.

“I went into overdrive mode preparing for this competition.”

Nicolson also believes her time is now.

“This is my fourth world championships so I knew what to expect, and I knew if I performed well I could get into the medal rounds,” Nicolson said.

“Every fight I win, I feel like all those tough dreaded track sessions and hard yards are finally paying off.”

No matter what happens in the quarter finals in Astana, Australia will have recorded its best ever result at a Women’s Boxing World Championships.