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Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan: A Title Fight Fueled by Drama, Personal Grudges, and Paint
Article By: John Green
The rivalry between Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan exploded into one of the most intense showdowns in recent women’s boxing history, with a build-up that had all the makings of a dramatic grudge match.
Mayer entered the fight with a hunger for redemption, having previously suffered a controversial loss to Natasha Jonas in a split decision earlier in the year. The judges rewarded Jonas’ early success, even though Mayer finished the fight strongly, leaving Mayer and her team questioning the decision. That loss deprived Mayer of her chance to become a welterweight world champion, driving her to set her sights on Sandy Ryan, the reigning WBO titleholder.
Mayer’s determination was palpable as she sought to prove herself at welterweight after her bitter experience against Jonas. She called out Ryan, looking to take her title and solidify her position as one of the best in the division.
A Conflict of Interest and Personal Grudges
However, the fight took on an even more personal edge due to a trainer-related conflict. Ryan had started working with Kay Koroma, Mayer’s former coach, who had a long and storied history with Mayer. The two had worked together for years, which made Ryan’s decision to train with him a source of tension. Mayer accused Ryan of manipulating her way into Mayer’s gym and stealing her trainer. This accusation intensified the animosity between the two, making the fight far more than just a title bout—it became a matter of pride and personal vindication.
Paint-Gate
Just hours before the fight, the drama escalated further when Ryan was ambushed outside her New York hotel and splashed with red paint. Visibly upset, Ryan arrived at Madison Square Garden shaken but determined to fight. Many speculated that the incident rattled her mentally, disrupting her pre-fight routine and affecting her performance. Mayer denied any involvement in the attack, expressing surprise and disappointment at the situation. Ryan, however, believed the attack was a deliberate attempt to throw her off her game.
The Fight: Tactical Brilliance
In the ring, Mayer came out strong, using her technical skills to keep Ryan at bay with sharp jabs and movement. Ryan, known for her aggressive style, struggled early on as Mayer landed clean counters, including a right hand that visibly hurt Ryan in the opening rounds. However, as the fight progressed, Ryan began to find her rhythm, landing powerful punches and cutting off the ring. By the middle rounds, she forced Mayer into a dogfight, turning the tide of the bout with devastating body attacks and left hooks behind the relentless pressure she applied.
The latter rounds saw both fighters digging deep, exchanging heavy blows, with Ryan pressing the action while Mayer although heavily fatigued, held her ground, earning her moments in the dog fight. Though Ryan finished the fight strongly, the judges scored the bout in favor of Mayer, who won by a narrow majority decision. The 97-93 scorecard in favor of Mayer was seen as controversial by many, with some fans and analysts believing Ryan deserved the win based on her late surge, With Mark Kriegel having the unofficial score a draw going into the twelfth round.
Calls for a Rematch
After the fight, Ryan expressed frustration, not only with the decision but also with the pre-fight attack that she felt impacted her performance. She stated that she shouldn’t have fought after the incident but didn’t want to let her attackers win. Mayer, on the other hand, felt that her victory was well-deserved, highlighting her early dominance in the fight. The fans were left divided, with many calling for an immediate rematch due to the close nature of the fight and the surrounding controversies. Both fighters have expressed a willingness to continue their rivalry, and it seems inevitable that the two will face off again to settle the score
Conclusion: A Rivalry Far From Over
The Mayer-Ryan clash was not just a fight—it was the culmination of personal grudges, professional stakes, and unexpected drama. From the pre-fight paint attack to the controversial decision, this bout left fans wanting more. A rematch would not only provide Ryan with a chance at redemption but also give the boxing world another thrilling chapter in this already heated rivalry.
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