Ellie Scotney faces Mayelli Flores for undisputed super-bantamweight title
British boxer Ellie Scotney will attempt to become the UK’s youngest-ever undisputed four-belt world champion when she faces Mexico’s Mayelli Flores on Easter Sunday.
The Londoner is looking to add the fourth and final super-bantamweight strap to her growing collection.
Fittingly for a bout scheduled on a major religious holiday, faith plays a central role in her professional preparation.
Spiritual support in a violent sport
The 28-year-old plans to attend church on the morning of the historic fight.
She will then be joined in her dressing room by her pastor for a final pre-fight blessing.
“I was never brought up in a religious family,” Scotney explained.
“But as a kid I would talk about God and my siblings would be like, ‘What’s this girl on?’”
The super-bantamweight star revealed that she first wandered into a church at the age of 19.
Congregation reactions and future rewards
Her current pastor has fully embraced her chosen profession, largely because his favourite film is the boxing classic Rocky.
“It’s a blessing to have that support and he’ll be coming to share a prayer,” she added.
Now represented by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, a 12th career victory would secure her a promised new car alongside sporting immortality.
However, her bruising trade often raises eyebrows among her fellow worshippers.
Bridging the gap between faith and fighting
Scotney recalled a recent incident following a bout in New York where she attended a later Sunday service.
“There was a man looking at my black eye,” the British title hopeful noted.
“I had to say, ‘Don’t worry, there’s nothing bad going on, it’s all good!'”
The prospective undisputed champion believes her congregation now fully understands the distinct divide between her gentle personal character and her aggressive in-ring persona.
