Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) soon defends her WBO welterweight title against Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs).
The two women headline a Top Rank card – in association with Matchroom Boxing – at Madison Square Garden’s Theater in New York City, NY. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Those in the United Kingdom and Ireland can do so with Sky Sports. TSN will carry the action in Canada.
Ahead of their world title clash, Ryan and Mayer spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.
“We’ve known each other since amateur days,” said Ryan. “I was on the Great Britain team, she was on the USA team, and we used to do training camps and spar. I’ve always respected her as a fighter, and I’ve always said that. I don’t respect her as a person now with how she’s been leading up to this fight.”
“I mean, we do know each other from the amateur days,” said Mayer. “She said she respected me. Then you would think I’d get some type of ‘hey, Mikaela, guess what? I’m coming to train in America, at your gym, with your coaches and your team. Like, aren’t you excited?'”
“None of that happened. So, obviously, in my mind, she knew she was doing something a little bit shady. She knew there was going to be some problems with that. And she knew I was at welterweight. It was no secret that I was at welterweight. I was slowly moving up over the year.”
While both fighters are extremely talented, Ryan has more experience as a welterweight. Mayer’s one fight at 147 lbs was a split decision loss to Natasha Jonas, who once used to operate at super featherweight and lightweight. Ryan should be able to use her welterweight experience to claim a unanimous decision win.
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.
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