We examine the profile and attributes of Ellie Scotney and Mea Motu as the pair prepare to battle it out for the IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine women's super-bantamweight titles in Nottingham.
Last year was a great one for women’s boxing: Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano produced another classic and Mikaela Mayer was involved in two fight of the year contenders against Tasha Jonas and Sandy Ryan.
Ellie Scotney will look to kick off 2025 in spectacular fashion as she defends her IBF and WBO super-bantamweight titles against Mea Motu on 25th January in Nottingham.
Scotney had a frustrating 2024, only fighting once, although she did add the WBO belt to her collection in the process. The Catford fighter is aiming for a big year and will look to make a statement against the unbeaten New Zealander.
Motu can change her life, and the lives of her five children, if she can upset the odds. ‘The Night’ has reasonable power, which she hopes will turn the fight in her favour.
Who will prevail?
Let’s have a look at the tale of the tape…
Ellie Scotney | Mea Motu | |
Age | 26 | 35 |
Nickname | None | 'The Night' |
Height | 5ft 4ins | N/A |
Reach | N/A | N/A |
Weight | Super-bantamweight | Super-bantamweight |
Trainer | Shane McGuigan | Isaac Peach |
Record | 9-0 (0 KOs) | 20-0 (8 KOs) |
Last Fight | W - UD v Segolene Lefebvre (April 2024) | W - TKO (R4) v Shannen O'Connell (August 2023) |
Ellie Scotney believes she is the best super-bantamweight in women’s boxing, and she may be right, but she needs the fights to prove it.
The 26-year-old is a skilled pressure fighter with a fan-friendly style. She could be the next female superstar and perhaps she should be.
However, as women’s boxing has only recently established itself as an elite sport, there is a lack of depth in many divisions.
This issue is less prevalent between super-featherweight and super-welterweight, but either side of those weight classes, there is a dearth of top-level talent.
Scotney does not have a Katie Taylor, Tasha Jonas or Chantelle Cameron at her weight.
However, Mea Motu is a credible opponent.
The New Zealander holds the lightly regarded IBO belt, but has established herself as a good fighter with 20 wins from 20 fights.
'The Night’ also has a bit of dig on her punches which sets her apart from the pack.
While Scotney lacks a rival with name value, it is important she displays her class and wins this one emphatically.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
Use of angles | Open to straight punches |
Body shots | Moves back in straight lines |
Gets in and out of range quickly | Lack of knockout power |
Upper body movement |
Mea Motu is fearless.
The prospect of facing unified 122lbs world champion Ellie Scotney will not faze her one bit.
It is hardly surprising as the New Zealander has endured things most people could not fathom, far less withstand.
‘The Night’ suffered 10 years of abuse at the hands of her then husband.
On two occasions, only the interventions of her children saved her life.
Her daughter put herself between her mother and the blade of a knife.
Her son positioned himself in front of his parent as a car hurtled towards her.
They fought for Motu, now, she fights for them.
The 34-year-old has the opportunity to change the lives of her five kids if she can upset the odds and capture the IBF and WBO belts.
She is certainly tough enough to do so.
Motu suffered a broken rib when she overcame Tania Walters to win the IBO strap.
Whether she is skilled enough to overcome Scotney remains to be seen.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
Physically strong | Smothers her own work |
Body shots | Stays in range too long |
Combination punching | Lack of head movement |
Applies pressure | Can neglect her jab |