Australia’s former amateur standout Skye Nicolson went two for two in the professional ranks with a landslide points victory over Bec Connolly in Leeds on Saturday.
Three weeks after a shutout debut win over Jessica Juarez on the Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez vs. Julio Cesar Martinez undercard, Nicolson was back in action in a support bout ahead of Kiko Martinez and hometown favourite Josh Warrington’s IBF featherweight title showdown.
As was the case over in California, the Tokyo Olympian won every round against the brave but limited Connolly, whose record slips to four wins and 12 defeats,
Nicolson eased languidly into her work in round one, operating behind a rangy jab from her southpaw stance, while frequently looking to find a home for the left to the body. She did so towards the end of the session, before moving upstairs to catch Connolly flush with a clipping right.
Connolly’s corner were audibly frustrated as their fighter failed to make any impression upon Nicolson, who began to pick her opponent off with ease throughout round two.
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There were game attempts to close the distance from the underdog in the next session, but that only brought her on the end of some rapid Nicolson combinations before a left to the temple left Connolly disorganised.
This was a bout fought on palpably good terms, with glove taps at the end of each round, although there was notable spite to Nicolson’s work as she got up on her toes and ran through some of the repertoire in four and five.
Connolly suffered stoppage losses against Terri Harper, Natasha Jonas and Ebanie Bridges but, after having her bloody nose swabbed and a cold compress applied, she was sent out for two more minutes of punishment and managed to hear the final bell.
Nicolson operated with a pleasing swagger and barely seemed to break sweat. There will be far tougher challenges to come.
Moving on 🆙 @skyebnic#MartinezWarrington2 pic.twitter.com/LtO5d9p192
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 26, 2022
