Matchroom have signed a promotional agreement with the promising English amateur Tiah-Mai Ayton.
Ayton, 18 and a junior featherweight, will make her professional debut in the coming months in the first fight of what Matchroom have described as a “long-term promotional deal”.
The Bristolian is trained by Dean Lewis and managed by Brian Peters, who also manages, among others, the celebrated Katie Taylor. Her arrival at Matchroom also comes while Ellie Scotney, the IBF and WBO junior-featherweight champion, prepares to fight the WBC champion Yamileth Mercado of Mexico on July 11 in her first contest since leaving Matchroom and signing for Most Valuable Promotions.
“I’ve always wanted to turn pro with Eddie Hearn since I was a little girl,” Ayton said. “I think he’s got a message from me from like three or four years ago where I asked, ‘One day can you sign me?’ Today is the day I’m signed with him.
“I did get offered a Team GB contract, but I turned it down because I don’t suit the amateur style. I thought I may as well turn pro. I want those belts. I’ve had over 300 fights and I’m undefeated in amateur boxing. I think it’s time to step into the pros now.
“I’ve always had a professional style in the amateurs. I believe I’m destined for greatness in the pro game. Why not start now while I’m young? I sit on my shots and I’m powerful. I don’t jump around a lot and I’m not tippy tappy.
“I think the young fighters coming through the ranks just keep getting better and better every year. It’s our time to shine. I hope to make my professional debut in June or July. Hopefully you’ll see me then. I plan to make a statement.
“Fans will like watching me because I’ll knock people out and I’ll keep it entertaining. I think I can become an undisputed world champion, [by] winning a few world titles in different categories.”
Ayton’s links with Matchroom were perhaps enhanced by her being employed as a sparring partner for Skye Nicolson ahead of the featherweight’s defeat in March by her fellow Australian Tiara Brown. She has also competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai.
“Tiah-Mai Ayton is destined to become the next superstar of women’s boxing,” said Eddie Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom. “Her amateur record across multiple combat sports, not just boxing, is astounding, and she is hungry to get her professional boxing career underway as soon as possible.
“Tiah could have waited for the Olympic Games, but she believes she will become a multi-weight world champion so there was no point in delaying. This is going to be an incredibly exciting journey, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.”