Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan 2: Top Rank Unveils Rematch Details

Top Rank have confirmed that the two-weight world champion Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) will defend her WBO welterweight crown against the former title holder Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) on Saturday, March 29, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. Eddie Hearn, Bob Arum, Ryan and Mayer have all reacted to the fight confirmation.

Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan 2: Rematch Confirmed for March 29

Fight Card Details for Mayer vs. Ryan 2

Mayer-Ryan 1 was filled with controversy. Mayer accused Ryan of stealing her trainer, while Ryan was shockingly doused in paint outside her hotel on fight night. Mayer did enough to edge out the Brit in their first encounter, but tensions have only escalated since. Now, this heated rivalry is set to be settled once and for all.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. defends his WBO welterweight title against Derrieck Cuevas – while rising star Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington faces Jose Enrique Vivas in a 10-round WBC final eliminator.

Mayer vs. Ryan Reaction

The Top Rank promotion in association with Matchroom Boxing event is something many in the boxing world have called for and Bob Arum gave his reaction to the rematch confirmation: “The rivalry between Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan is one of the fiercest we’ve seen in recent years, and both are determined to put it to rest once and for all,”says Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Brian Norman Jr. faces a tough first defense, but I’m confident he’ll rise to the occasion and prove he belongs at the top. Bruce Carrington is close to a world title shot, and this fight is his chance to cement his place in line.”

“I’m delighted that Sandy has a second chance in Las Vegas,” said Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The rivalry between the pair spilled over in New York, and there’s certainly no love lost between them. But when they got in the ring at Madison Square Garden, they delivered one of the fights of the year for 2024.

“Although Mikaela got the nod last time, it was a pick’em fight with only a coat of paint to separate them. I’m confident that it will be revenge, not repeat, on March 29, and Sandy will be crowned a two-time world champion.”

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Mayer got the verdict last time, with the judges scorecards reading 95-95, 96-94 and 97-93. The reigning champion has reacted to the rematch confirmation: “I’ve never been one to shy away from challenges. I could have taken my belt and moved on, but it was a highly entertaining fight, and if this is what the fans want, then that’s what I’ll give them,” Mayer said. “I have stayed in the gym and am getting better every day. It will be worse for Sandy this time, but regardless, expect another action-packed fight.”

Ryan has welcomed the opportunity to avenge her defeat against Mayer: “As crazy as this sounds after what happened last time in New York, I am actually looking forward to returning to the U.S.,” Ryan said. “I’ve had some remarkable, history-making fights here already, so the opportunity to come back and showcase my talent while headlining in the fight capital of the world is amazing. 

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“This time, I will be fully prepared for whatever comes my way. I’m not making any excuses, but after what happened before the fight last time, I did fight in anger, and it clearly affected my performance. But it was a great fight and did great numbers for ESPN, so that’s why Mayer had to take this rematch. It’s the biggest fight for both of us, and everyone wants to see it again. On March 29, the world will see a focused, determined, and talented fighter in the shape of her life, and I will reclaim my world title. 

“I want to thank my promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, my manager Brian Peters, and Bob Arum for getting the rematch done. It will be another amazing fight for women’s boxing and boxing in general, and I look forward to reclaiming my title.”

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for the build-up to Mayer-Ryan 2.