Tiara Brown vs Ellie Scotney

This is no gimme for Ellie Scotney. Tiara Brown is bigger, seasoned and knows how to make a tidy boxer uncomfortable. She upset Skye Nicolson by refusing to admire the movement, closing space and working whenever Nicolson stopped. Scotney is more compact and technically complete, but she is stepping up against someone who will test her physically from the first bell.

Brown’s advantage is her reach and counter right hand. She can draw a lead, step back half a pace and fire straight down the middle. Her weakness is that she sometimes squares herself when pressing, leaving room for a quicker fighter to turn her. Scotney’s feet are the key. She changes angles after punching, keeps her guard tight and rarely exits along the same line. The concern is whether her shots carry enough authority to prevent Brown simply walking through them.

I expect Brown to have success early, particularly when Scotney’s back reaches the ropes. But Scotney should begin beating her to the jab, turning off the lead foot and landing the cleaner combinations. It will be close and competitive, but I’m taking Scotney by decision. Her timing, engine and defensive discipline should nick the decisive rounds.