Kaye Scott

Bio

Kaye Scott's story is one of the best in boxing right now. The Sydneysider spent the better part of two decades as one of Australia's most decorated amateurs before finally turning professional in her late thirties — and promptly boxed her way to the WBC and WBA middleweight titles. At 42, she's a world champion twice over in a sport that usually punishes late starters.

Don't let the modest 5-1-1 professional ledger fool you: Scott has hundreds of rounds of elite amateur pedigree behind her, a tidy southpaw-troubling jab, and the kind of composure that only comes from a lifetime in headguards and vests. She's earned every inch of her position the hard way.

Now comes the mountain. On August 15 in Atlanta she defends her belts against Claressa Shields, the pound-for-pound queen dropping down from heavyweight to reclaim her old kingdom. Nobody gives Scott a prayer — which, history tells us, is exactly when proud champions are at their most dangerous. Win, and it's the greatest result in Australian boxing history. Simple as that.