Queensberry star who proved Frank Warren wrong opens up on world title dream
Carrying the burden of being dubbed the 'First Lady of the Frank Warren stable' is seemingly one that Raven Chapman continues to take in her stride.
The stock of the 29-year-old rose that little bit higher this month when she took her professional record to 8-0 at the now familiar York Hall venue. Against the experienced Czech fighter, Lucie Sedlackova, who had only once previously tasted defeat in 17 professional bouts, Chapman was dominant en route to a unanimous points win.
“She had a good record and going in her only loss was to a world class opponent," Chapman told Mirror Sport. "She’s a contender, so it was a good step up and just hat we wanted - someone there who came to win and to be aggressive."
Despite Sedlackova's intent, the judges were in little doubt as they scored the bout 98-92, 98-92, and 97-93. And Chapman's control is reflected in her own personal view, as is her relief at the arena not being plagued by the searing heat that tainted her previous outing there against Lila dos Santos Furtado.
Having admitted she used the latter stages to "try new things," Chapman didn't hesitate when asked if this notion was a clear indicator of a rise in class: "100 per cent," she said. "I feel like the better the opponents the better me you see. I get to showcase more of my ability, my boxing brain and ring IQ. When I’ve got a good opponent against me it really brings that out."
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The road to an eventual featherweight world title fight is beginning to shorten. And in that regard, Chapman seems to have adopted the principle of keeping her friends close and enemies closer. She's struck up a close rapport with Amanda Serrano, an undisputed all-time great who has recently opened up Chapman's division by vacating her WBC belt, leaving her with just the IBO and WBA titles.
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Their friendship dates back to September 2022 when the pair fought on the same card at the Manchester Arena. Chapman seized the opportunity to learn off the American, with the irony now being she signifies the very figure she's ultimately targeting.
"I learnt a lot just by eating with her and talking to her and her team, I've kept in touch and that’s been good," she said. "She’s the champion in my weight category so the person I’m now eyeing. So to be able to get up close and personal was good. She’s someone I really respect with what she’s done in women’s boxing.
"We (Chapman's team) have been invited over to New York for training and will definitely take them up on that offer. It's definitely a relationship I’d like to keep."
Raven Chapman and Amanda Serrano have become friends (Sportsfile via Getty Images)For now though, a shot at Serrano can wait. The title she's vacated will be fought over between Australia's Skye Nicolson and Denmark's Sarah Mahfoud. Chapman, who herself holds the WBC International Featherweight title, is expected to be given a tilt at the winner.
Indeed, asked where she sees herself in 12 months time, Chapman replies in what seems like nanoseconds: "As a world champion. The opportunity is there. Now Amanda has relinquished......things have opened up a little bit more. I want the full belt around my waist."
The focus is as telling as the ambition. Currently in Thailand, her 'holiday' incorporates exploring and training. Her Christmas and New Year will be supplemented Muay Thai sessions, and upon returning to the UK negotiations for her next bout will begin.
But while her legacy is a long way from being cemented, Chapman continues to play the role as a pioneer in her sport. She famously altered the thinking of famous promoter Warren, a previous cynic of female boxing, with Queensberry since signing up three more women fighters since the High Wycombe-based star broke the mould.
"I get on really well with Frank," she declared. "I want to entertain people and they (Queensberry) see that. I’m not just looking for a points win I want to attack my opponent and get knockouts. They recognise that. Boxing is about show business as well and I've got the style that compliments that."
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The show business element however, is currently being stretched to the limit. The exploits of YouTubers like Jake Paul and KSI have been well documented, but it's not male figures currently combining internet notoriety with the squared circle. Chapman is open to the concept - just not the hullabaloo around it.
"I respect that these YouTube fighters want to try boxing," she insisted. "Anyone wanting to have a go is a good thing if it gets more people involved and noticing the sport. My issue is 'stay in your lane'. It’s white collar fighting at best. Keep it on YouTube channels and your own platform - it’s not boxing so should be on a boxing channel.
"The problem comes when fans think these YouTube fighters are actual fighters. The woman who flashed after a fight, you see ‘female boxer flashes’ headlines. Well she isn’t a female boxer, she’s an Only Fans model pretending to be a fighter. I'm not discouraging anyone from trying, it’s just the clickbait and social media stuff that ruins it."
It's a plausible argument, although mixing it with amateurs and online celebs isn't a space that Chapman needs to land on anytime soon. Her work is dedicated towards a much loftier goal, and one that if fulfilled, will see her considered among the world elite sometime in 2024.
Chapman is not a talent that needs any clickbait to aid her career. Right now, she's letting her own glove-work and in-ring ability provide the headlines.
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