Importance Score:
45 / 100
Mayer Victorious Over Ryan, Retains WBO Welterweight Title in Las Vegas
In a compelling welterweight boxing match held in Las Vegas, Mikaela Mayer successfully defended her WBO world title, securing a unanimous decision victory against Sandy Ryan of Great Britain. The hard-fought contest resolved their intense rivalry in the ring, with Mayer demonstrating resilience and skill to maintain her championship status. The American boxer overcame an early cut and a determined effort from Ryan in the later rounds to earn the judges’ nod.
Title Bout Highlights
Mayer received winning scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92 from the judges, solidifying her triumph. Following her victory, Mayer immediately set her sights on a unification fight against fellow British boxer, Lauren Price, hinting at a significant showdown in the future of the welterweight division.
Focus on Unification Fight
“It’s time for me to advance and pursue undisputed status,” Mayer declared, fueling anticipation for a potential high-stakes battle against Price. Price recently unified titles by adding the WBC and IBF belts to her existing WBA title after defeating Natasha Jonas in London on March 7.
Rematch in Vegas
This WBO championship clash was a highly anticipated rematch, following Mayer’s initial title win against Ryan in New York during September 2024. The first encounter was marked by controversy when Ryan was targeted in an incident outside her hotel, which she described as a “hit and run” paint attack, adding fuel to the already fiery buildup to their second fight.
Paint Incident Denials
Prior to this rematch, Mayer refuted any connection to the paint incident. “Those who know me understand that such actions are not in my character; it’s simply not my style,” Mayer stated in an interview. “Accusations require evidence, and none points to me.”
Fight Summary
Beginning evenly, the bout saw Mayer gain momentum, delivering significant blows to take control. Ryan, demonstrating her own fighting spirit, rallied back, landing impactful punches, and in a clash of heads, Mayer sustained a cut. Despite Ryan’s resurgence, Mayer’s earlier lead on the scorecards proved insurmountable, securing her the unanimous decision and championship retention.
Post-Fight Reactions
“I felt it was a close contest. I believed I performed strongly from the outset, but then it became a real fight,” Mayer commented after her second victory over Sandy Ryan. “Sandy and I have redefined what competitive boxing matches should embody.”
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