Skye Nicolson has always forged ahead, overcoming obstacles and personal challenges, earning numerous titles before even turning professional. But there is more to Nicolson than just her accolades. Boxing is in her blood, and she is continuing a legacy started by her late brothers.
Now, Nicolson is set to defend her WBC featherweight title against Raven Chapman on the undercard of the highly anticipated Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout on October 12 at the Kingdom Arena. As curiosity about Nicolson’s background grows, let’s dive deeper into her personal story and the family history that has shaped her career.
Born on August 27, 1995, at Logan Hospital in Meadowbrook, Queensland, Nicolson grew up on the Gold Coast and attended Our Lady’s College. She made waves on the international boxing scene with her gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2016 World Championships. Nicolson also became a trailblazer for Australian women’s boxing with her 2020 Olympic appearance, where she narrowly missed out on a medal.
Though she is proud of her Australian roots, Nicolson holds dual citizenship due to her parents’ British heritage. Her father, Allan, hails from Glasgow, Scotland, and her mother, Pat, is from London, England. Nicolson shared in a 2022 interview with Women’s Fight News:
“My parents are both British… It was quite easy for me to become a dual citizen. My dad is a very proud Scotsman, and my mom is from London. They love Australia, but they’re equally proud of their British heritage.”
While Nicolson’s parents embraced life in Australia, their move was bittersweet after they suffered an unimaginable tragedy—the loss of their two sons in a fatal accident.
Boxing runs deep in Nicolson’s family, and her older brother, Jamie Nicolson, was one of Australia’s most talented amateur boxers. Jamie earned a bronze medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and represented Australia at the 1992 Olympic Games. However, tragedy struck in 1994 when Jamie, just 22 years old, and his younger brother, Gavin, 10, died in a car accident on their way to training.
Although Nicolson was born a year after the accident, the loss profoundly shaped her journey. She began boxing at the age of 12 and trained at the Jamie Nicolson Memorial Gym, named in honor of her late brother. Through her career, she has felt a connection to Jamie, believing his legacy guides her every step.
When Nicolson won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, she dedicated the victory to her brother, saying:
“I won that medal for both of us [me and Jamie]… It’s huge, it’s massive. I’m just glad it’s a gold one.”
Despite never meeting Jamie, Nicolson carries his memory with her in the ring. As she continues to make her mark in the sport, she now holds the prestigious WBC featherweight title. Her resilience and talent have made her a symbol of perseverance, and she remains a beacon for future generations of boxers.
With her title defense against Raven Chapman just around the corner, Nicolson is determined to honor her family legacy and add another milestone to her career.
