Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan: A Rematch to Remember
Boxing fans, mark your calendars for Saturday night because Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan are set to face off once again in a highly anticipated rematch. The bout will be broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims starting at 7 p.m. ET. This clash comes after Mayer’s close majority-decision victory over Ryan in September, a fight that was as thrilling as it was controversial.
In their first encounter, Mayer edged out Ryan with scorecards reading 97-93, 96-94, and 95-95. However, the fight was overshadowed by an incident outside the ring. Ryan was hit with a can of red paint while leaving her hotel for Madison Square Garden, an attack she attributed to Mayer’s team, though they have denied any involvement. This incident added an extra layer of tension to an already heated rivalry.
Adding to the drama, Kay Koroma, who had been Mayer’s trainer for most of her career, switched sides to train Ryan ahead of their first bout. The animosity was palpable when the fighters were introduced, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Ryan, with a record of 7-2-1 and 3 KOs, started the fight slowly but found success with her powerful jab. Mayer, boasting a 20-2 record with 5 KOs, suffered a small cut over her right eye during an action-packed fourth round. Two judges scored that round in favor of Mayer, who landed 17 power punches compared to Ryan’s 12. Mayer finished the fight strongly, winning the last three rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards.
Body punches played a significant role in their first meeting. Mayer landed 44 punches to the body, 39 of which were power punches, outpacing Ryan by 10. By the end of the fight, Mayer had landed just one more punch than Ryan (186 to 185), highlighting the razor-thin margin between the two fighters.
As we look forward to the rematch, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can it be any different? To gain some insight, Andres Ferrari spoke with Hall of Fame boxing commentator Al Bernstein and former junior lightweight and lightweight champion Erica Anabella Farias, both of whom have faced Ryan and Mayer in the ring. ESPN betting expert Ian Parker also weighed in with his analysis on the main event and the lightweight bout between William Zepeda and Tevin Farmer, who will fight in Cancun, Mexico, on Saturday in a rematch of Zepeda’s split-decision win in November.
Al Bernstein, Boxing Commentator and Member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame
How the Fight Could Play Out
Al Bernstein believes the rematch will closely mirror the first fight. Ryan’s slow start in their initial encounter may have been influenced by the paint incident, but this time, she should enter the ring without such distractions. Bernstein expects Ryan to be more aggressive in the early rounds, but ultimately, the fight will hinge on Mayer’s ability to outpunch Ryan in terms of volume. Mayer’s strategy will likely involve controlling the ring’s geography, keeping Ryan on the outside, and using her combinations effectively.
From Ryan’s perspective, the key will be to utilize her jab more effectively and unleash her powerful left hooks to the body and head. She’ll aim to get inside and rough Mayer up, hoping for a quicker start. Bernstein anticipates another close fight that will likely go to a decision.
How Does Ryan Win This Fight?
For Ryan to secure victory, she must get inside Mayer’s jab and position herself to throw her signature left hooks. She needs to cut off the ring and put Mayer on the ropes, where she can work the body. Ryan’s success will depend on her ability to maintain mid-range punching and avoid being kept on the outside by Mayer’s jab and movement.
How Does Mayer Win This Fight?
Mayer’s path to victory involves using her jab effectively, maintaining movement to create angles, and being the busier fighter. She excels at combination punching, and if she can keep Ryan at bay and control the ring, she’ll be in a strong position. Avoiding the ropes will be crucial for Mayer, as she aims to win rounds consistently throughout the fight.
X Factor: No Distractions
The absence of distractions, such as the paint incident, is a significant factor in this rematch. While it doesn’t diminish Mayer’s previous win, it does level the playing field for Ryan. With both fighters entering the ring on equal terms, the rematch promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched competitors.
Who Wins?
Bernstein predicts another close fight that will likely go to a decision. He sees it as a pick-’em fight, with either fighter capable of emerging victorious. Mayer’s previous win was razor-thin, and Ryan could potentially perform better in the early rounds to secure a win. Ultimately, the fight will be decided by the fighters’ skills and strategies in the ring.
Erica Anabella Farias, Two-Division Champion
How Does Mayer Win This Fight?
Farias believes Mayer, as the current champion, will need to defend her title by working efficiently round by round. Mayer’s timing and ability to connect big punches will be crucial, especially in the closing stages of each round. Farias notes that Mayer’s experience and ring management skills give her an edge, and if she controls the distance and timing, she can secure a comfortable victory.
How Does Ryan Win This Fight?
For Ryan to win, she must convince the judges and avoid being led by her temperament. Farias emphasizes the importance of Ryan working for the judges and not getting disorganized. Ryan’s explosive body punches can be effective, but Mayer’s speed and fitness will be key in countering them. Ryan will need to cut off the ring and apply pressure without making mistakes.
Who Wins?
Farias predicts another close fight, with Ryan needing a new strategy to trouble Mayer. If Ryan doesn’t adapt, Farias believes Mayer will win by decision.
Ian Parker’s Best Bets
Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan
Ian Parker finds the odds surprising, with Ryan at -115 and Mayer at -105. He expected Mayer to be a -145 favorite, given her previous win. Parker sees value in betting on Mayer, as her speed and footwork should lead to another decision victory. If Mayer is aggressive early, she can separate herself on the scorecards and retain her title.
Prediction: Mayer to win by decision
William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer
Zepeda is a -750 favorite in his rematch against Farmer. Parker suggests using Zepeda as a parlay piece or betting on the fight to go over 10.5 rounds at -170. He also recommends betting on Zepeda to win by decision at +125.
Prediction: Zepeda vs. Farmer over 10.5 rounds, and/or Zepeda by decision at +125
Brian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas
Norman is a -600 favorite against Cuevas. Parker advises using Norman as a parlay piece or betting on him to win by TKO/KO. He believes Norman’s power and recent performance make him a strong favorite, especially given Cuevas’ long layoff.
Prediction: Norman to win by TKO/KO
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
