Australian Skye Nicoslon to make history in first ever women's world title fight in Saudi Arabia

Australian Skye Nicolson will make history in her world title defence against Raven Chapman in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (AEDT), in what will be the country's first ever women's world title bout.

The 29-year-old will defend her WBC featherweight title on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh.

Nicolson, from Queensland, will earn a career-high pay day, and says she is excited to be "a part of this women's movement" in the Middle East nation.

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Female boxers have not featured on seven 'Riyadh Season' cards - five held in Saudi, one in Los Angeles and one in London.

Nicolson's promoter, Eddie Hearn, says this is the first time he and other promoters have put forward a women's fight to the Saudi organisers.

"They wanted that first female fight to be in Riyadh, not in Wembley or Los Angeles because that happens all the time," the Matchroom boss said.

"[Turki Alalshikh] is a very knowledgeable boxing fan and there are some fights which may take priority over other fights, it doesn't matter if it's a female or male."

Nicolson said she's flattered to be part of boxing history in the nation but nearer and dearer to her heart is a world title defence on home soil.

"I want to take big fights home to Australia," she told BoxingScene. "I've said that all along, for my whole career.

"I fought for my first title – the Commonwealth title – back at the end of 2022, so to defend my world title on home soil would be very special for me, but for my family and fans as well. It's something I'm going to keep pushing, and hopefully we can get that over the line in the near future.

"It's a conversation I'm almost bored of having, to be honest. I ask and ask and ask, but we haven't been back there for a while. I know that Eddie wants to do a homecoming for me and [Liam] Paro; it's just about the right opponents, the right date, and making it make sense for everyone."

Nicolson said she is yet to meet the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh ahead of the bout and gave the nation a thumbs up in making her feel welcome.

"From what I've seen – not that I sit and scroll through every comment – I haven't really seen any negative criticism about fighting out here," she said.

"I've seen a lot of positive stuff, and a lot of people saying that this has been a long time coming and this is a movement in the right direction for women in Saudi Arabia; for women in boxing. So it's been quite a positive reaction and experience so far.

"I haven't met him yet. I assume I will this week, but I haven't actually spoken to him yet.

"I've honestly had a really positive experience out here. Everyone I've met has made me feel very welcome; it's been nothing but positivity from the male and female Saudis that I've met. I feel like I'm in a very empowering position, to inspire the women here.

"I've met a few of the Saudi boxers – the young up-and-coming boxers in the boxing gyms here. I feel like I'm really inspiring that next generation; I've only felt positive things about fighting over here."