Skye Nicolson Batters Dyana Vargas in WBC Title Defense in Philadelphia
By David A. Avila
Skye Nicolson used a battering right jab and showed off a more aggressive style against Dominican slugger Dyana Vargas in retaining the WBC featherweight title by unanimous decision on Saturday.
It was a shutout win but could have been a knockout.
“She wasn’t as aggressive as we expected,” replied the champion.
Australia’s Nicolson (11-0, 1 KO) used angles perfectly in keeping dangerous Vargas (19-2, 12 Kos) from bum-rushing in front of a large audience at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. It was her most professional performance yet.
The speedy southpaw always stayed within punching distance of Vargas, but the Dominican knockout puncher just couldn’t reach her. Instead, Nicolson busted out jab after jab and continuously snapped back the blonde-haired fighter’s head.
“My lead jab was getting a little sore,” Nicolson said.
Nicolson had told reporters she made changes in her style which previously consisted of a constant touch and run amateur style. Not today, the Aussie stayed within punching distance and proved she could still hit and not get hit without running out of range.
In the fifth round Nicolson nearly floored Vargas with lead lefts that staggered the Dominican. The left-hander fired and landed four rocket lefts; if it was a three-minute round might have ended the fight.
Despite the one-sided fight, Nicolson seldom attacked the body, but seldom needed to target the body with so much success to the head. Vargas’ head snapped back multiple times like a bobble head doll throughout the fight.
The only thing Nicolson could have done differently was turn on the burners in the last round and go for the knockout. Instead, she wagged her arms around for a little celebration. A knockout attempt would have been much better and appreciated by the fans. Even an effort for a knockout would be appreciated.
After 10 rounds all three judges scored every round for the Australian, 100-90.
The champion proved in her win that defensively she is capable of standing in front of a foe and still remain unhittable. Offensively, she can do more with a little more time.
“I’m improving every single fight,” said Nicolson.