Australian contender credits slower year for development before facing Mariah Turner in home main event
Skye Nicolson says a quieter 2025 has improved her ahead of her April 30 return in Melbourne against Mariah Turner. The former titleholder believes the extra time has sharpened her game after a rapid rise to world level.
Nicolson headlines in Australia for the first time when she meets Mariah Turner in Melbourne, but much of her focus this week has been on how the past year changed her as a fighter after an early professional rise that moved quickly.
The former featherweight titleholder reached world level in only 10 fights, but believes the fast climb left little room for steady development. She now says the time spent refining her game in 2025 is beginning to show.
Nicolson said the work done away from the spotlight has started to show.
“Obviously, getting to World Title level in 10 fights, I moved really fast,” said Skye. “But it’s been nice to have had 2025 to go back, work on things, and really develop. I’m really excited for what 2026 and beyond will look like because I feel like you’re starting to see the best version of me now.”
Nicolson also said she feels she is entering the strongest stretch of her career rather than nearing the end of it.
“Right now, I am hitting my peak. I’m entering my best season. I definitely do not feel like the end is on the horizon. I don’t have a date in my head to say when I’m done.”
Fighters who move fast early often need time later to tighten loose areas. Nicolson seems to believe that period has already paid off.
The interim WBC champion now looks to prove it in front of a home crowd on Wednesday night when she faces Turner in the main event.
