Karriss Artingstall is set to return to the ring this Friday to face Raven Chapman for the British featherweight title at the Royal Albert Hall.
Artingstall and Chapman will be part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Natasha Jonas versus Lauren Price welterweight world title unification fight.
A victory over Chapman could pave the way for Artingstall to challenge WBC world champion Skye Nicolson, who will be present as a commentator at Friday night’s event.
Chapman previously lost to Nicolson in her last bout. This Friday, she aims to secure a revenge victory against Artingstall, who defeated her in the England Boxing Elite championships during their amateur careers.
“I think it was a tough challenge for Chapman to overcome Skye Nicolson,” Artingstall commented.
“Nicolson is effective at her style, and if an opponent can’t neutralize it, she becomes very comfortable. I openly admit that if you can’t counter her strengths, beating her is difficult.”
However, Artingstall confidently added, “But she is beatable.”
Artingstall emphasizes her past victory over Nicolson at the Tokyo Olympic Games, where she secured a bronze medal by eliminating Nicolson. “Exactly,” Artingstall stated. “It is achievable, and I have already done it. There will be others capable of doing it too.”
Artingstall is determined to earn a fight with Nicolson. “I need to deserve that opportunity. I have to prove myself worthy,” she said.
“I have ground to make up this year. Last year was unproductive, and I’m eager to get back into contention as quickly as possible.”
“2025 will be a much better year for me, without a doubt, and it will be the year I challenge for world titles.”
Winning against Chapman is crucial for her ambitions. “I am aware of my potential, and I know I haven’t fully demonstrated it yet. This match against a strong opponent could unlock something new in me,” Artingstall explained.
“I believe I can defeat Skye Nicolson. And against Chapman, I am confident in winning this fight, and that is my sole focus. I don’t care about the margin of victory; as long as I beat Raven Chapman, that’s all that matters.”
Chapman is equally enthusiastic about facing her former rival. “I am excited to get back in the ring, rebound from my last fight, and demonstrate my abilities,” she stated.
“My best performance was not on display the night I fought Nicolson. As a team, we learned valuable lessons that we will ensure are never repeated.”
“I thrive in significant events like this, and I aspire to continue participating in major fights.”
Despite her amateur loss to Artingstall, Chapman is convinced she is the superior professional fighter.
“Even in the amateur fight, I performed adequately, but far from my full potential. Turning professional and having my team’s support has made a significant difference,” Chapman said. “I am a different fighter now compared to my amateur days.”
“We share a common opponent, Lila Furtado, who she struggled against, while I secured a comfortable win,” Chapman added.
“It’s uncertain if she has improved during her time away. I am anticipating facing the best version of Karriss on fight night. I believe it will be a thrilling contest.”
“We are both aggressive and powerful fighters. Neither of us will be inclined to back down.”
“This fight has the potential to be the most exciting of the night.”
Watch Artingstall vs Chapman as part of the Natasha Jonas vs Lauren Price undercard at the Royal Albert Hall this Friday, March 7th.
