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Motu embraces weight of history in legacy-defining world title unification bout
Sport Nation • January 24th, 2025 1:00 pm
Mea Motu I Photo: Photosport
A special chapter of Kiwi sporting folklore could be written this weekend, when Mea Motu takes to the ring against Ellie Scotney in Nottingham on Sunday (NZ time).
With Motu's IBO World Super Bantamweight belt and Scotney's IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine straps at stake, the Pukepoto product has the opportunity to become the first New Zealander to unify a world boxing title.
Motu says she realises what's on the line legacy-wise in England this weekend.
"I'm totally aware of the history," Motu told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.
"I'm known for breaking records, and that's why I'm just even more determined to break this one. It's just amazing to know that I can do this and I will do it.
"I believe in myself, I back myself, but also it just opens the door and gives more opportunity for all people in Aotearoa to know how bloody great we are, how amazing we are and how talented we are."
The pair had originally been slated to square off in Manchester last October, before injury forced Scotney's withdrawal.
Photo: Photosport
Instead, Motu travelled to Sydney to make light work of local Shannon O'Connell to extend her undefeated record to 20-0.
But in Scotney, Motu faces her biggest test to date. The 26-year-old Brit has been tagged as one of the most promising talents in women's boxing, boasting a 9-0 record since her 2020 debut.
But as far as Motu is concerned, the game plan remains the same.
"I'm wanting to attack everywhere and anywhere, anywhere to just destroy her and make sure that I get the win."
It will also be the first time in Moti's career she's been on the wrong side of a partisan crowd, with Scotney certain to have a vocal majority of the support in her native England.
The 35-year-old insists she's unfazed by the proposition, keeping her eyes fixed on the prize.
"I think they're going to underestimate me.
"But I won't notice it. I never do. I only focus on myself once I hit the ring."
And with such "overwhelming" support of her own from across the nation since she burst on to the scene in 2023, Motu says she'll be carrying the weight of a nation into the ring.
"I feel like I'm taking the whole of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Everyone has just backed me and supported me from day one, and it's just been so encouraging and amazing.
Sharing my story and my journey has only made me feel even more loved and encouraged by our people. It's just so beautiful. I feel it in my heart, even just a simple message - it's so uplifting.
"It only gives me more fire in my belly to go and chase what I've been determined to get since I started fighting."
Listen to the full interview:
