- 36-year-old Brown maintains perfect 19-0 record
- First professional defeat for Australian contender Nicolson (12-1)
- Victory follows dual career in law enforcement and boxing coaching
In a dramatic showdown at Sydney’s packed stadium, former police officer Tiara Brown sealed her place in boxing history with a split-decision win over defending champion Skye Nicolson. Two judges scored the contest 97-93 and 96-94 for Brown, while the third favored Nicolson 96-94. The emotional victory marks Brown’s first world championship after two decades in combat sports.
Brown’s unique career trajectory sets her apart in professional boxing. Before entering the ring, she served six years with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police and later joined Florida’s Fort Myers PD. Her police department publicly supported the bout through social media, highlighting her work coaching youth boxers through their athletic outreach program. This victory reinforces the growing trend of athletes successfully transitioning from public service roles to professional sports.
Industry analysts note Brown’s win challenges boxing stereotypes about age and career starts. At 36, she becomes the third-oldest first-time featherweight champion in WBC history. Sports psychologists suggest her law enforcement experience contributed to the mental resilience displayed during the championship rounds. Regional sports development programs in Southwest Florida have already expressed interest in using Brown’s story to attract late-starting athletes to combat sports.
The Australian contender Nicolson, previously undefeated in 12 professional fights, showed visible disappointment at the decision. Promoters speculate the close scoring might trigger an automatic rematch clause. However, Brown told DAZN broadcasters she plans to temporarily step back from training: Right now, I just want to enjoy this moment with my community – we’ve all fought for this.