Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) will soon defend her world title in a rematch against Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs).
Their bout headlines a Top Rank card – done in association with Matchroom Boxing – at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Those in Canada can do so with TSN+. In the United Kingdom, it will air on Sky Sports Action. Both women had fought each other in September last year, with Mayer winning via the majority decision to become the WBO welterweight champion. This will be her first title defence.
Ahead of their rematch on March 29, both fighters spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.
“I really feel great,” said Mayer. “I feel better than ever. Many people feel that at this stage of your career, it’s hard to make that much of a jump and develop or change much. But I really do feel that I’m better than ever. I’m stronger and healthy at welterweight. I’m not really cutting weight. All my little tweaks and injuries went away. And I’ve been able to put on muscle.”
“I’m not taking anything away from Mikaela,” said Ryan. “She’s got the belt. I appreciate her accepting the rematch and making this fight. It’s what the fans wanted because it was a great first fight. But I’ll be taking that belt back.”
“I know that I’m a fighter. I would have never pulled out of the fight [after the paint incident]. I let people see what kind of person and fighter I am. Despite what they threw at me, I still got in there and put on a performance.”
This is one of the best fights that can be made in the division. Their first bout was memorable and their rematch should also be a classic. In September, Mayer showed she had just a bit more to her than her opponent. While Ryan put up a commendable performance, the American should be able to prove that she is the better of the two yet again. Expect Mayer to win via close unanimous decision.
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.
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