September 29, 2024
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Mikaela Mayer reclaimed her place among boxing's elite Friday night, capturing the WBO welterweight title with a thrilling majority decision victory over Sandy Ryan at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The win marked a significant comeback for the 34-year-old Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs), who had suffered back-to-back losses in her previous title bouts. After controversial defeats to Alycia Baumgardner and Natasha Jonas, Mayer's performance signaled a resurgence.
The judges scored the bout 95-95, 96-94, and 97-93 in favor of Mayer, a decision she felt confident about as the fight progressed.
“I always said before I respected Sandy as a boxer. She has a big pedigree, just like myself, but I knew I was going to beat her to the punch. I knew I was faster and sharper, and that’s exactly what I did,” Mayer said. “I always turn it on in the second half of the fight, and she just couldn’t handle my timing. I felt like I won the fight, and I’m just glad I got the right decision this time.”
Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs), 31, entered the fight as the reigning WBO welterweight champion and brought physicality to the contest. However, Mayer’s technical precision ultimately proved too much.
“She was probably the strongest person I’ve ever boxed, not so much in her shots, but you could feel it in her body, trying to push me around the ring,” Mayer said. “Skill beats strength.”
For Mayer, the victory is a crucial step in her quest to become the undisputed welterweight champion after moving up from lightweight.
“I want to finish what I started and go undisputed,” Mayer said. “I came this close at lightweight, but my body outgrew that weight. I’m comfortable now. I feel like I’m stronger than ever, still in my prime, as you can see. So I’m coming for the other champions.”
While Mayer left the door open for a potential rematch with Ryan, her focus remains on bigger challenges in the division.
“I’m here for what the fans want,” Mayer said. “If the fans demand a rematch and the money’s right, then we can do it. Otherwise, there’s plenty of girls at welterweight that I want to challenge myself against. Either way, you’re not going to see me in an easy fight. I’m going for the biggest and best.”
Reflecting on the emotional ups and downs of her career, Mayer said those experiences have only made her stronger.
“I’ve had to experience all types of emotions, from the highs to the lows, and still had to perform under all of that,” she said. “When that bell rings, it’s all in the past anyway.”
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