Skye Nicolson to Headline Melbourne Card as Matchroom Begins Kayo SPORTS Era

Skye Nicolson will headline a Matchroom Boxing event in Melbourne on April 29, facing Mariah Turner in an all-Australian WBC interim super bantamweight title fight. The show marks the first event under Matchroom’s new broadcast partnership with Kayo SPORTS in Australia.

Nicolson vs Turner headlines Melbourne Pavilion card

Nicolson (15-1, 3 KOs) returns home for her first career headline appearance as she defends her WBC interim super bantamweight title against Turner (12-1, 6 KOs) at Melbourne Pavilion.

The former Olympian claimed the interim title with a unanimous decision over Yulihan Luna on December 14, 2025 and enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak at junior featherweight.

“This is a huge moment for me and I’m thrilled to be coming home to defend my WBC title and mandatory position for the soon-to-be-crowned Undisputed Champion,” Nicolson said.

“It’s an honour to headline such a strong card full of Australian talent – and my first headline event being back home is extra special.”

Nicolson has targeted an eventual clash with the winner of the upcoming Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores bout.

“Mariah is a quality fighter and I’m expecting a tough challenge,” Nicolson added. “But every time I step into the ring I level up and I plan on making a real statement on April 29 in Melbourne and setting up the mega fights in the division for 2026.”

Turner enters the bout ranked in the top ten at featherweight and will move down in weight for the opportunity.

“This is the biggest challenge of my career so far and the kind of opportunity that dreams are made of,” Turner said.

“To step into the ring with a World Champion like Skye Nicolson on such an incredible global platform is a huge moment for me. I respect what Skye has achieved in the sport.”

“At the same time, I truly believe in myself and in the work my team and I are putting in behind the scenes.”

Wyllie faces Olympian Balla in super lightweight co-main

Jake Wyllie (18-2-1, 16 KOs) will face 2012 Australian Olympian Ibrahim Balla (17-3, 7 KOs) in the co-main event.

Wyllie looks to rebound from a split decision draw with Paul Fleming in December as he continues his push up the super lightweight rankings.

“My full focus is on April 29 and getting the job done against Ibrahim Balla,” Wyllie said.

“I want the big fights and this is a massive stepping stone towards that. I will do my best to perform well and go down to his backyard and upset the apple cart.”

“I’ll be coming in red hot for this one and I am really looking forward to it.”

Teremoana eyes Melbourne return after Harper bout

Australian heavyweight prospect Teremoana Teremoana is also expected to appear on the Melbourne card, pending the result of his March 21 bout with Curtis Harper in Orlando.

The unbeaten heavyweight (9-0, 9 KOs) has called for Australian rivals to face him on his return home.

“I’m really looking forward to what promises to be a busy 2026,” Teremoana said.

“This new broadcast deal Matchroom Boxing has in Australia should be a great opportunity for me to fight in front of my supporters at home and I’m excited to continue on my journey to the World Heavyweight title.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn has also predicted a major future for the heavyweight prospect.

“Huge man, punches hard, he’s got the personality, the smile and he’s got the aura … when I look at the star power he has,” Hearn said.

Matchroom chairman Hearn said the Melbourne event launches the company’s expanded Australian partnership with Kayo SPORTS and Foxtel.

“We pride ourselves at Matchroom Boxing on being the only true global, promotional company in the world and we cannot wait to get this new, seven shows-a-year partnership started,” Hearn said.

“It all starts on April 29 with a fantastic fight for WBC Interim Champion Skye Nicolson against Mariah Turner – where a future Undisputed shot awaits the winner.”

The event is the first of seven Matchroom cards scheduled to air in Australia in 2026 under the new broadcast agreement, with the Melbourne show set to feature an all-Australian main event and several domestic matchups.