New Zealand boxer Mea Motu has warned her opponent Ellie Scotney that she is in even better shape now than in October, when their fight to unify the world super bantamweight titles was first scheduled.
Scotney, the holder of the IBF and WBO world titles, pulled out of the bout at late notice due to injury but was ordered by the IBF to reschedule when fit again and will face Motu, the IBO world champion, in Nottingham on January 26 NZT.
Rather than waiting, the 35-year-old Motu fought Australian Shannon O’Connell in Sydney in October in a potentially risky catchweight fight the Kiwi won by stoppage and now is more than ready for her date with destiny.
“I could be ready tomorrow night,” Motu said today. “Chuck me in the ring now - I’m ready.
“She should have fought me then [October], that probably would have been the best time to fight me. [The delay] gave me more time to focus on me, get my health right, get everything right. Now I’m in my best shape. I’m the strongest I’ve been and the fittest I’ve been. Mentally and physically I’m all locked in.”
Motu will fight Ellie Scotney in Nottingham to settle who rules the Super Bantamweight division. (Source: 1News)
Motu, who won her world title in Auckland in April, 2023, has also recently sparred New Zealand-born Cherneka Johnson, who went the distance in a defeat to Scotney at Wembley 18 months ago.
“She’s tough,” Motu said of the Australia-based Johnson. “It was a great experience. She’s fought Ellie. I don’t know what Ellie’s going to bring because she might change it up, but I know what I’m going to bring.
“I’ve sacrificed a lot. I’ve been away from my family and friends. For this camp I’ve only had my coach and his family… I’ve been doing it on my own. But I’m willing to do everything I can do to bring back those belts.”
If successful, Motu, undefeated after 20 professional fights, will become the first New Zealand boxer to unify a world championship, and the mother of five is proud to be a role model.
“I’m doing it for all our kids because I’m sick of seeing our kids falling into drugs and alcohol and gangs,” she said.
“That’s not the lifestyle. Just because it’s easy. They’re teaching them all the wrong things. Let’s teach them to work hard for what you want. That’s rewarding. You create moments like I have over the last few years. That’s what has made my heart fulfilled. I’m proud to be a role model for Aotearoa.”
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