This weekend, the world of women's boxing is set to witness a rematch between two exceptional talents as Mikaela Mayer defends her WBO world welterweight title against Sandy Ryan. The rivalry between these athletes has been intense, with personal tensions and past controversies adding layers to this eagerly anticipated bout. Meanwhile, the card also features other thrilling matchups, including Brian Norman Jr.'s inaugural title defense.
The Rematch That Everyone’s Talking About
Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan are set to face off once again in what promises to be an electrifying main event. This Saturday, the BleauLive Theater in Las Vegas will host their second encounter since last September. During their previous fight, Ryan lost her WBO welterweight title to Mayer via split decision, despite landing a significant percentage of her punches. However, the drama surrounding this rivalry extends beyond the ring, involving pre-fight altercations and accusations.
Prior to their initial showdown, tensions were high due to verbal sparring between the two fighters. A bizarre incident occurred when Ryan was hit by a can of red paint on her way to Madison Square Garden for their first match. She accused Mayer and her team of orchestrating the attack, allegations they vehemently denied. Adding another twist to the story, Coach Kay Koroma, who previously trained Mayer, now finds himself in Ryan's corner, preparing her for this crucial rematch. The anticipation for this clash is palpable, with both fighters eager to prove their dominance in the sport.
Beyond the Main Event: Exciting Fights on the Card
In addition to the highly anticipated Mayer-Ryan rematch, the card offers a series of compelling matchups that promise to captivate boxing enthusiasts. Brian Norman Jr., undefeated in his professional career, will defend his newly acquired WBO world welterweight championship against Derrieck Cuevas, known for his recent knockout streak. Other notable bouts include Bruce Carrington facing Jose Enrique Vivas in a featherweight contest and Emiliano Fernando Vargas taking on Giovannie Gonzalez in a junior welterweight clash.
Fans will have ample opportunities to witness rising stars making their mark in the sport. Delante Johnson seeks to maintain his unbeaten record against Kendo Castaneda in an eight-round welterweight bout. Making his professional debut, 18-year-old southpaw Emmanuel Chance battles Miguel Guzman in a bantamweight fight. Furthermore, junior lightweights Dedrick Crocklem and Dionne Ruvalcaba will engage in a four-round contest. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Disney+, with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN & ESPN+. Fans can access more boxing content through ESPN's dedicated hub page, ensuring they stay updated on all the latest news and features.