Mikaela Mayer Outslugs Sandy Ryan to World Title Win

Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) outslugged Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) to become the new WBO welterweight champion.

While one judge had it 95-95, the other two saw it 97-93 and 96-94 for Mayer. The majority decision win makes the American a world champion at a second weight class. Mayer was previously a unified super featherweight champion. This was also her second attempt at a welterweight title. Earlier this year, Mayer lost a split decision to Natasha Jonas in attempting to claim the IBF belt.

The two women headlined 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 could catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Those in the United Kingdom and Ireland could do so with Sky Sports. TSN+ carried the action in Canada.

Mikaela Mayer Outslugs Sandy Ryan

Fight Recap

Mayer began the bout fighting off of the back foot and circling away from the right hand of Ryan. As the fight progressed, both started to open up and trade combinations at close quarters. Until the final bell, neither fighter relented.

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Ryan spent most of each round in pursuit of her opponent. For most of the contest, both women threw and landed clean, hard shots at each other’s head and body. There was hardly a dull moment in the bout and those in attendance roared their approval as Mayer and Ryan landed their shots. In the end, two judges saw Mayer doing better work overall, allowing her to become the welterweight champion.

The bout itself was a competitive one with both women having their moments. It was the result of two very talented fighters going head-to-head against each other. While both slugged it out in the ring, Mayer was just slightly better on the night.

Post-Fight Interview

Mikaela Mayer

“It was similar to how I thought it would go,” said Mayer. “I respected Sandy as a boxer, she has a big pedigree, but I knew I was going to beat her to the punch, that I was faster and sharper. I picked it up halfway through the fight like I always do, she just couldn’t handle my timing. I felt like I won the fight, I’m just glad I got the right decision this time.”

Sandy Ryan

“Obviously, I’m disappointed,” said Ryan. “I’m not taking nothing away from the decision, but before coming to the venue, I had a hit-and-run, and that was definitely set up. I’m taking nothing away from [her] win, but it unsettled me.”

Undercard Results

Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Damian Sosa (25-3, 12 KOs). Scores for the 10-round super welterweight fight were 100-90 x3.

Bruce Carrington (13-0, 8 KOs) won a majority decision against Sulaiman Segawa (17-5-1, 6 KOs). While one judge saw the 10-round featherweight clash 95-95, the other two had it 97-93.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) won a majority decision against Khalil El Harraz (16-6-1, 2 KOs). While one judge had the 10-round super welterweight bout 95-95, the other two saw it 100-90 and 98-92.

Floyd Diaz (13-0, 3 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Mario Hernandez (12-5-1, 4 KOs). Scores for the eight-round bantamweight fight were 78-73 (x2) and 77-74. In round five, Hernandez went down from a right uppercut.

Elvis Rodriguez (17-1-1, 13 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Kendo Castaneda (21-7, 9 KOs, 1 NC). Scores for the 10-round super lightweight contest were 100-90 (x2) and 99-91.

Delante “Tiger” Johnson (14-0, 6 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Yomar Alamo (22-3-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight clash. Scores were 78-74 (x2) and 77-75.

Opening the broadcast, Rohan Polanco (14-0, 9 KOs) won via sixth-round technical knockout against Marcelino Lopez (37-5-1, 22 KOs). The time of stoppage for this 10-round super lightweight bout was 2:08. Lopez went down from a right uppercut in round three. After getting hit with a right hand in the fourth, he took a knee. Following getting knocked down twice in round six, referee Eddie Claudio put an end to proceedings.