Exclusive: Ellie Scotney Eyes Undisputed Glory to Finally Get the Recognition She Deserves

Ellie Scotney, who faces fellow world champion Yamilo Mercado in a unification bout this weekend, believes only by becoming the undisputed queen of the super-bantamweight division will see her talents gain the recognition they deserve.

From Lewisham, Scotney retained the IBF, WBO and Ring magazine belts by defeating Mea Motu in Nottingham earlier this year.

Belts, Brilliance, and Being Overlooked

Despite being arguably the UK’s most accomplished female fighter, the former amateur star’s name does not attract the same reverence among casual boxing fans as Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron who also appear on the same New York bill.

In order to rectify that situation, Scotney signed a new promotional agreement with Jake Paul’s MVP stable in April. 

Although enjoying Paul’s backing is likely to raise her profile exponentially Stateside, Scotney hopes that adding Mercado’s WBC strap to what is already an impressive array of honours will help increase her earning potential and financial opportunities back home in the UK too.

“I feel like I’ve achieved a lot and I’ve still got a lot more to do as well,” Scotney told SportsBoom.com. 

“But there are other girls who, for some reason or another, seem to be better known than me."

“I’m not doing this for the fame but people have told me they find that a bit strange at times. So, hopefully, I’ll be able to rectify that by continuing to put the wins together and sweeping up the entire division.”

“Women’s boxing is booming at the moment and it’s great to be a part of it,” Scotney added. 

“There’s some great fighters out there and I think I’ve got the kind of approach people can get behind."

"I love to box and there’s a big skill level to this, the technical side. But I love to bring it, too.”

A Fighter the Fans Can Rally Behind

Aged 27, Scotney’s pedigree, combative style and unblemished professional record should make her one of Britain’s most recognisable sportswomen. 

But Taylor, Cameron and Savannah Marshall - another of her compatriots preparing to compete at Madison Square Garden on Saturday - all enjoy greater recognition after taking part in huge, money-spinning bouts. 

Taylor enjoys hero status back home in Ireland while, by facing her twice in 2023, Cameron benefited from huge exposure. 

Marshall, meanwhile, is returning to the ring after a brief flirtation with MMA - a switch which came following her clash with the legendary Clarissa Shields.

If Scotney defeats the vastly experienced Mexican Mercado, she is expected to target Mayelli Flores Rosquero, who is currently in possession of the WBA crown.

“It won’t surprise anyone to hear me say that I want them all,” Scotney said. “Of course that’s the aim and I’m determined to do it."

“I’m confident I can but that doesn’t mean I take anyone or anything for granted. What I am is confident in my own ability."

“If I get that (undisputed) then I might get a little bit better known, which would be good because that leads to opportunities."

"I’m not bitter or anything like that, because it is what it is and I do this because I love it and for my family who have helped me massively and done everything for me."

“But, at the same time, it would help to bring more in and open up even more opportunities wouldn’t it?”