Tiara Brown, a 36-year-old former Florida police officer, upsets Australian Skye Nicolson to win WBC featherweight title
Former police officer Tiara Brown claimed the WBC world featherweight championship title after defeating Skye Nicolson in a split decision victory in Australia. The 36-year-old Brown, with a record of 19-0, managed to secure the victory with judges scoring the bout 97-93 and 96-94 in her favor, while one judge scored it 96-94 for Nicolson.
The victory came as a surprise to many as Nicolson, a 29-year-old Australian with a record of 12-1, was considered the heavy favorite to win the match. Brown’s emotional reaction to the win was evident as she dropped to the canvas in tears upon hearing the announcement. This defeat marked Nicolson’s first professional loss, adding to the intensity and significance of the match.
Prior to her career in boxing, Brown had served as a police officer in both the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. and the Fort Myers Police Department in her home state of Florida. The Fort Myers PD extended their best wishes to Brown ahead of the 10-round bout, acknowledging her resilience and determination both in and out of the ring.
In a post-fight interview with broadcaster DAZN, Brown expressed her gratitude to God and her hometown of Fort Myers, emphasizing that this moment had been over 20 years in the making. Despite her newfound title, Brown mentioned that she was not yet focused on her next bout and intended to enjoy some downtime with cupcakes, cookies, and cartoons.
Brown’s involvement in boxing extends beyond her personal achievements, as she also works as a boxing coach with the Fort Myers police athletic league, mentoring young boxers and sharing her passion for the sport. Reflecting on her upbringing in Lee County, Brown explained her early love for sports, particularly boxing, which she pursued alongside track, cross country, and basketball.
With her recent victory propelling her into the spotlight, Brown continues to inspire and motivate both aspiring boxers and fans of the sport. Her journey from law enforcement to championship boxing serves as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
