Skye Nicolson vs. Dyana Vargas: Live round-by-round updates
Skye Nicolson will put her WBC featherweight title on the line when she locks horns with Dyana Vargas in an upcoming showdown at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.
Nicolson is coming off a solid victory over Sarah Mahfoud that improved her record to 10-0. The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist will be keen on harnessing her technical skills, youth, and speed when she takes on Vargas.
Meanwhile, her opponent Vargas banks on the success of a 19-1 record with fifteen knockouts to her credit. The boxing world is well aware of her power, something that she will be keen on leveraging any time Nicolson's defense falters.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the Nicolson vs. Vargas clash:
Round 1
The first round transpired with Vargas coming out as the early aggressor. However, her aggression was met with Nicholson's precision striking. The Australian was hiding the straight left from the southpaw stance behind the jab, cutting angles and keeping her opponent at bay. A solid first round for the champion.
Round 2
The second round progressed similarly. Vargas needs to harmonize her ferocity with strategic acumen. Currently, she's moving forward while Nicholson is happy just jabbing away and scoring at ease. Another round in the books for the Australian.
Round 3
It's almost midway into the third round and Vargas hasn't landed a single jab. She's loading up on that overhand right and popping the jab with a smile on her face. Vargas currently just holding the line by inviting a firefight. However, Nicholson has been wise to her opponent's advances so far.
Round 4
Vargas' ferocity is now met with fervid action from the champion. Nicholson's ring generalship and awareness of her vigilance in reading her opponent's movements aid in effortlessly scoring on the scorecards. It would help the champion to add up on the onslaught with double and triple jabs now.
Round 5
The left straight is following effortlessly behind the jab for Nicholson. She's going to the body with the jab and with just a minute underway, she staggers Vargas with an over left hand that wobbles her opponent. Vargas' toughness holds up as she survives to take the stool at the end of the round. The best round so far in another dominant performance by the champion.
Round 6
Nicholson now doubling on the jabs and landing away at ease. She's loading up on the punches recognizing that Vargas is hurt. The Australian toying with her rival now as she closes the round with a one-two combination and a stinging jab for good measure.
Round 7
The 28-year-old is navigating the ring with drive and command. Vargas moves in with an overhand right only to be countered by Nicholson's straight left. This has been a lopsided affair so far with barely any resistance from Vargas.
Round 8
Vargas' corner urging her for activity and offense starting with the jab. She leverages the intensity to drive the fight to Nicholson, but the Australian is in cruise control right now. She's scoring while moving away while also diversifying her attack when she moves in.
Round 9
Vargas bites down on the mouthpiece and pushes forward throwing caution to the wind. With just over a minute left, Nicholson cracks Vargas with a clean overhand left. How is Vargas' chin still holding up? The champion disguises the lead hook with a deceptive jab. We move on to the last round.
Round 10
Vargas' corner fired up their pupil as she met Nicholson with force in the center of the ring. Nicholson's composure is a textbook display of a champion's focus. A little chicken dance and taunting from Nicholson to close out a dominant, one-sided performance. Official scores next!
Official Score
All the judges scored the fight 100-90 unanimously in favor of Nicholson.