Ellie Scotney Set to Defend Titles
Ellie Scotney, a boxer with three titles in the super bantamweight class, is set to defend her crowns against Mexican challenger Yamileth Mercado on an all-female fight card this Friday, which is notably being broadcast on Netflix. The event takes place at Madison Square Garden (MSG), marking a significant milestone in the sport’s history.
Scotney’s Journey to MSG
The 27-year-old Scotney, who trains at Shane McGuigan’s gym in east London, expressed her astonishment at her rise to this prominent stage.
“Little old me, from SE6 [her hometown in Catford, southeast London], making it to MSG—that’s a dream come true for me,”
she said, acknowledging the role her promoter, Jake Paul, has played in elevating women’s boxing.
Scotney’s excitement is palpable as she prepares for what could be a pivotal moment in her career, unifying the super bantamweight division by facing Mercado, who boasts the WBC title and comes with an impressive record of 24 wins and only 3 losses.
A Historic Evening for Women’s Boxing
The upcoming fight is part of a historic evening featuring a total of 21 world title belts being contested, a significant achievement for women in boxing. Scotney humorously recalled struggling to get on previous high-profile cards, including the first Taylor vs. Serrano event in 2022, where her efforts went unnoticed.
“It’s third time lucky with me and Jake. I even messaged him before, but it finally came together this time,”
she stated, underscoring the importance of timing in boxing.
Focus and Challenges Ahead
Despite her budding fame, Scotney remains focused on her training and the challenges ahead. With an undefeated professional record of 10 wins, she has quickly made her mark by claiming the IBF title in only her seventh pro fight. Scotney reflected on how the pandemic has influenced the visibility of female fighters and expressed gratitude for MVP’s dedication to women’s boxing, contrasting it with the lack of support often seen in the sport.
Mercado: A Worthy Opponent
Mercado, just like Scotney, also shares the distinction of being a champion in the same weight category. The Mexican fighter, who began her boxing journey at a youthful age, is known for her unpredictable in-ring style, something Scotney acknowledges as a potential challenge.
“I’ve watched her fight and I know she can be dangerous. But I’m ready to execute our game plan,”
Scotney remarked.
A Personal Tribute
In addition to the professional stakes, the fight carries a personal significance for Scotney. Earlier this year, she faced a profound loss with the passing of her close friend, fellow boxer Georgia O’Connor, who lost her battle with cancer. Scotney sees her upcoming bout as a tribute to O’Connor’s legacy.
“In my eyes, this fight is about Georgia—she’s the main event. I promised to carry her spirit with me in my journey,”
she shared.
Looking Ahead
As her training wraps up, Scotney remained tight-lipped about predicting the outcome of the fight but exuded confidence about making history on a night that aims to spotlight female athletes in boxing.
“This fight is going to be an important one, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. I think even the biggest promoters would struggle to find this level of talent in an all-male card,”
she concluded, highlighting the growing prominence of women in boxing and Jake Paul’s influential role in driving that change.
