Sydney, Australia - Tiara Brown upset Skye Nicolson in a battle of unbeatens, as she captured the WBC world featherweight championship - and the commemorative WBC Homecoming belt - with a closely contested split decision victory (96-94, 94-96 and 97-93).

Nicolson started brightly in front of her home fans, but Brown swiftly forced the fight up close, managing to engineer her path to her first world title triumph.

The pair had been embroiled in a lively build-up throughout the week - and it was the undefeated American (19-0, 11 KOs) who eventually celebrated by winning the famous green and gold strap on away soil, with Nicolson, now 12-1, succumbing to her first professional setback.

“I thought it could have gone either way and I was surprised by the last scorecard, especially being an Australian judge,” said Hearn.

“However, it was always a 6-4 fight. And I don’t think anyone could have any complaints though because it was a fight that could have gone either way. Skye made the mistake of fighting Tiara’s fight tonight.

“I thought she won the last two rounds, but you must give the credit to Tiara Brown who got the job done on away soil. We’d love the WBC to give us a chance back but it’s Tiara’s night and she deserves it.”

A delighted Brown beamed afterwards: “My composure and the pressure won me the fight. She [Nicolson] was holding a bit but this is boxing. My options right now are good. Right now I want to go and eat some cupcakes and some ice cream! All power be to God. Shout out to my coach and my team. And shout out to Eddie [Hearn] - without him, I wouldn’t be here.”