Lilyella Craw-Seaman: Beyond The Ropes

Lilyella Craw-Seaman: Beyond The Ropes

Lilyella Craw-Seaman turned professional in 2021, had two fights, and then didn’t fight again for four years. But her undefeated record has now advanced to 5-0, and Craw-Seaman will get the biggest test of her career next month in Ipswich. The 27-year-old will take on the world-ranked Dee Allen with the Commonwealth Silver welterweight title on the line.

The WBO has Allen ranked as the number five 147-pounder in the world. A victory for Craw-Seaman could push her a little closer to a world title opportunity herself. Albeit in a weight division that is slightly out of her comfort zone.

Like many, Craw-Seaman has struggled to get fights in her preferred division. A more natural super-lightweight, the unbeaten prospect understands you have to take opportunities where and when they present themselves. The fight with the former European could be a golden opportunity to take her career to another level.

“140 is the best weight for me,” Craw-Seaman told FightPost. “But the fight was put to me, and nothing else was really shouting at that time. Dee put the fight to us, and I believe I win, so we made it happen. Winning another belt can only benefit me. Ideally want to be at 140 again, but equally, I am also open to any big opportunities at any weight.”

Dee Allen won’t be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. She was once viewed as one of those fighters that was severely going under the radar. Highly-touted and seemed destined to challenge for world honours. But fights were hard to come by, and her momentum stalled somewhat. But the 35-year-old suffered a devastating setback when she was knocked out inside a round by the unbeaten French prospect Emilie Sonvico. Allen hasn’t fought since, and she can’t afford a second straight defeat.

But Lilyella Craw-Seaman will have her own ambitions to gatecrash the world title picture. A win and everything changes for her. Her profile gets elevated, and a world ranking will undoubtedly follow. Craw-Seaman is level-headed enough to know her sport doesn’t run in straight lines. But she feels super-lightweight is where she belongs. If she can navigate her way into the 140 ranks, the division will be wide open for her.

Katie Taylor will have her farewell fight on September 5th, and if, as expected, she beats Flora Pili at Croke Park, her subsequent retirement would mean all the world super-lightweight titles will become vacant. Four belts and eight fighters will get a chance to fight for them. Lilyella Craw-Seaman will hope she is one of them.