It`s often difficult to truly grasp someone`s inner state.
Consider Skye Nicolson. Outwardly, she seemed to possess everything – the complete fighting package, adorned with the green and gold WBC featherweight world title strap, representing history and significant achievement.
While a clash for the undisputed title wasn`t guaranteed, it was a distinct possibility, with Amanda Serrano in her sights. Nicolson, sporting a 12-1 record (1 KO) at the time, had comfortably handled her first twelve opponents, yet we hadn`t seen her at her absolute peak. She was confident she could defeat Serrano, but the Puerto Rican`s focus has consistently been on avenging her loss to Katie Taylor. July 11 marks Serrano’s third, and potentially final, attempt at that goal.
Nicolson held onto the hope of dethroning the formidable Puerto Rican champion, but that aspiration dissolved after spending 30 minutes in the ring with Tiara Brown in March.
Skye was competing back home in Australia for the first time in three years. Brown presented a difficult challenge, particularly up close. She managed to unnerve the champion during fight week, creating a persistent irritation Nicolson couldn`t shake off. In the actual fight, Brown successfully executed her strategy, while Nicolson failed to implement hers. Ten rounds concluded the bout. “And the new…” Nicolson’s 11-month reign as champion was over.
“It impacted me profoundly,” she stated regarding her initial professional defeat.
Nicolson is currently fulfilling media obligations in anticipation of her return to the ring. She`s exploring new territory at super-bantamweight, although featherweight remains an option. The Australian is scheduled to compete tomorrow night in an eight-round contest at 124lbs, positioned two pounds above super-bantamweight and two below featherweight, against Carla Camila Campos Gonzales.
“I believe it affected me more deeply than any prior loss or setback I`d encountered in boxing,” she elaborated.
“I`ve certainly experienced my share of disappointments. The full impact wasn`t immediate. I maintained a brave front. I was seemingly okay. I don`t think I shed a tear for the first 24 hours. But it genuinely hurt me deeply.
“I struggled mentally and emotionally for weeks. Not so much with the loss itself – ultimately, it`s just a sport. Life is far more significant than boxing. We both emerged healthy, and that`s what matters. But this felt different. I was incredibly frustrated with myself for allowing external factors to influence my performance and actions in the ring. Accepting that was very difficult because I know I`m capable of so much more than what I showed. For me, that was the hardest realization to accept.”
Nicolson has observed how some fighters react to defeat by changing trainers or assigning blame. Her response was the opposite.
“I feel I took complete responsibility for everything that happened, and honestly, that`s where it belonged,” she acknowledged. “Physically, I was prepared. My team performed their roles. The issue was with me and the internal work I hadn`t addressed. Perhaps partly due to a lack of awareness. Even before the March fight, I recognized I wasn`t bringing my best self into the ring.”
“There have been mental obstacles present. It`s been vexing over the past couple of years; I`d deliver exceptional performances in sparring and training, but it wasn`t transferring to the actual fights. I feel the warning signs were there all along.”
The adage “If it isn`t broken, don`t fix it” seemed applicable, and Nicolson subscribed to it. She hadn`t lost many rounds prior to facing Brown. Her opponents offered minimal threat. Raven Chapman appeared to be the most likely challenge, yet even `The Omen` didn`t pose significant problems when they met in October 2023. Nicolson secured a wide points victory – business as usual.
However, the fight against Brown compelled her to confront the missing element. Bridging the gap between strong gym performances and effective ring execution is a challenging habit to break, but one she must address.
Competing at the AO Arena tomorrow night marks Nicolson`s first eight-round fight since June 2022. She is a heavy favorite to defeat Gonzales. On paper, this provides the ideal scenario to integrate her training efforts into the fight and remind everyone of her true capabilities.
“We`ll be on early in the card. There`s no pressure. We`re eliminating all those external distractions and purely concentrating on applying everything I`ve been working on since the previous fight. So, I`m genuinely looking forward to it.”
Any fighter will attest that mental preparation is equally as crucial as physical training. Nicolson`s loss to Brown prompted her to examine both aspects. She aims to be the optimal version of herself, which entails addressing every necessary area. One such area is now being addressed: she has begun collaborating with a mindset coach.
“One of the initial questions he posed after the fight was, ‘How critical do you believe mental preparation is for a fight?’ My reply was, ‘After that last fight, 100%.’ This is because I was 100% physically prepared. He then inquired, ‘So how much mental preparation did you undertake for the fight?’ And I admitted, ‘None.’”
The significance became clear.
“I pondered that for a while. Hindsight is always insightful, naturally. But if I could relive that fight week, I would prioritize the mental preparation. I hadn`t braced myself for the unexpected. I wasn`t ready for things to emerge that could cause discomfort – situations I hadn`t encountered before.
“And these are all areas I`m focusing on now. To become a superior athlete. To bring my absolute best self, regardless of circumstances. No matter the mental challenges that arise during fight week, I can step into the ring and perform at my highest level, integrating everything I`ve accomplished in my physical preparation.”
