Ellie Scotney pursuing undisputed legacy (and a vehicle) from Jake Paul
This Sunday will commence like any other for Ellie Scotney: spending time with her family and attending Mass at church, a weekly ritual. However, it won’t be long before she quickly shifts her focus to that evening and her quest to become Britain’s youngest-ever undisputed world champion, regardless of gender.
The unified junior featherweight champion is set to face Mayelli Flores with all four titles at stake in London [Sky Sports in the UK, ESPN+ in the U.S.]
In addition to a collection of belts and a significant piece of history, Scotney (11-0) is also competing for a car, courtesy of Most Valuable Promotions head Jake Paul.
Paul was taken aback when he learned that Scotney does not possess a driving license and relies on a mix of trains and buses to reach the gym each day, occasionally using an Uber on sparring days. He has since announced that he will purchase her a car if she secures a victory on Sunday.
Before contemplating driving, Scotney remains dedicated to extending her unbeaten streak on a day that holds great significance for her on Easter Sunday. Her boxing, like all aspects of her life, is motivated by her faith. The 28-year-old even consulted her pastor for guidance regarding fighting on this sacred day.
“My first thought was how does that align with being a Christian fighting on Easter?” Scotney shared with ESPN.
“I called my pastor and he said: ‘Look, Ellie, it’s not your timing … It’s the Lord’s plan.’ I just feel that when I step into that ring, my primary purpose, regardless of the day, is to glorify the name of Jesus Christ, and what better day to do it.”
The south-London fighter believes that her strong faith provides her with an additional boost in the ring. Scotney does not come from a particularly devout family and states that it was her own choice as a teenager to embrace the church.
“As a fighter, when I enter that ring, I know that I’m not alone; I’m not going in by myself,” she explains. “And that’s the beauty of it. It’s been my solid foundation since childhood.”
Her foundation can also be traced back to her mother, who Scotney notes always encouraged her to strive for more. When Scotney earned her first belt, it was not permitted to be displayed in their home.
“My mum never allowed me to showcase them until I had more than one, which is quite remarkable,” she explains.
“She said: ‘Until you get … [more].’ And then as I started accumulating them, we got this little cabinet, and now we need another one, so we’re moving in the right direction.”
The collection could be completed this Sunday in what is anticipated to be a crowning achievement for Scotney, who is arguably one of the most underappreciated champions in British boxing.
Scotney herself has humorously remarked about potentially becoming the first undisputed champion without a knockout on her record, but her skill, ability to dismantle opponents, and boxing intelligence are undeniable. Her determination is also evident, with significant fights on the horizon should she overcome Flores.
“I believe this is her moment; this is the peak of her career,” trainer Shane McGuigan tells ESPN.
“When she achieves [victory] on Sunday, she’s going to call me on Tuesday and say: ‘All right, it’s done.’ I respond, ‘Well … let’s tackle another Mount Everest.’
Chantelle Cameron pursues further success
Having already been an undisputed champion at junior welterweight, Chantelle Cameron aims to add another division to her achievements in her WBO super welterweight bout against Michaela Kotaskova.
This match will also mark the first women’s title fight to be contested with three-minute rounds in the UK.
If the 34-year-old prevails over Kotaskova, significant fights lie ahead, even if it isn’t the trilogy match with Katie Taylor that fans are eager for, with discussions of a unification bout with Mikaela Mayer.
Mayer, who recently signed with MVP, holds the WBO welterweight title as well as the WBA and WBC junior middleweight titles.
While Cameron declined to comment on the potential bout this week, emphasizing her sole focus on Kotaskova, Mayer expressed her desire to face Cameron.
<p"She's fighting this weekend for the belt that I just vacated at 154 pounds," Mayer told Sky Sports. "I still hold two other belts at 154, so assuming she secures the win this weekend, we can engage in a significant unification fight."
Mayer has also been associated with a potential undisputed clash against Lauren Price, who will defend her WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight titles against Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff on Saturday.
