Ellie Scotney is where she belongs on Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano supercard
Madison Square Garden, it does not get much better than that for any fighter and next month Ellie Scotney defends her three world titles in that hallowed ring.
It is an unimaginable achievement for a kid from Lewisham who has had to battle every inch of the way to reach the top. Though she was a good amateur and part of the Team GB set-up, she chose to turn pro rather than putting all her chips in the Olympic basket.
That route is not for everyone and turning over when she did looks like an even better decision now. Though it has been hard generating momentum in the pro ranks, she is a fighter to her boot laces and stuck at it.
The New York assignment against Yamileth Mercardo is only her 11th fight and her first abroad. She won the first of her three belts, the IBF super bantamweight crown, in only her seventh fight.
Mercardo is also a tough kid, heavy handed and cock-sure. She thinks she is going to roll over the top of Ellie. Her shots are wild and heavy. She believes nothing can stop her, but she could not be more wrong.
I watch Scotney working on the pads with Shane. She picks things up so quickly. She blocks, slips, rolls her head like a veteran. She does not rely on knockout power. She is super slick with a great jab and throws lots of punches.
This could turn out to be her toughest assignment. The WBO and IBO belts are on the line as well as the IBF crown, but she is ready for that because tough fights are she has known.
She is sharing the all-female bill with some great fighters, headed by Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. She thoroughly deserves her place among the big names. To fight where Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier twice is an incredible privilege. The centre of gravity has shifted to Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia but nothing resonates like the Garden.
Though the eyes are drawn to the likes of Taylor, Serrano and Alycia Baumgardner, I'm certain when people leave the arena they will be talking about Scotney with reverence.
She is old school, loves the game, loves the work, and is absolutely committed. We are so proud to have her in our gym. She represents the McGuigan brand in a most extraordinary way.
And this is her reward, her name in lights in New York City, a night she will never forget and one that we believe with make her reputation.
Follow Barry on X at @ClonesCyclone @mcguigan's_Gym
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