A visibly shaken Sandy Ryan entered her WBO world welterweight title fight against Mikaela Mayer after getting doused with red paint by an unknown suspect.
The shocking incident took place shortly before the pair collided for Ryan’s belt on Saturday, with the culprit escaping the scene in a getaway car.
The Brit was understandably left stunned, and yet she still locked horns with Mayer at the Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, in a scintillating dustup.
It was the American, though, who ultimately emerged victorious, with Ryan’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, now seeking to find a remedy for the unpleasant scenes that transpired moments before the compelling clash.
Eddie Hearn reveals NYPD investigation into the paint attack against Sandy Ryan
Hearn has confirmed that the New York Police Department has now launched an investigation into the distressing incident.
Additionally, the Matchroom Boxing promoter suspects Mayer of foul play, accusing the newly-crowned champion and her team of orchestrating the attack.
“The whole thing looks like a setup … if you don’t think that was a targeted attack, you should get your brain examined,” Hearn told Boxing Scene.
“It’s a disgrace what’s happened to Sandy Ryan … she should get the immediate rematch. I can’t believe she had to go through with that fight. Emotionally and mentally, she wasn’t ready. She still put on a performance like that.”
Shortly before Hearn spoke out about the NYPD’s involvement, Ryan posted a statement on social media revealing that CCTV footage had been obtained.
Will Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer have an immediate rematch?
It was clear that Ryan remained emotionally overwhelmed prior to her bout, and even echoed Eddie Hearn’s accusations against Mayer in her a pre-fight interview.
“It’s got to be. Who else would it be?,” said Ryan, when ESPN’s Mark Kriegel asked whether Mayer had anything to do with the incident.
“I’m from the U.K. Who’s going to hit and run me? Who knew what time I was coming down my hotel to the venue? Who knew? Someone from her team saying, ‘She’s coming now.’ They knew what time.”
Now, it would seem Ryan and Hearn are both pushing for an immediate rematch with the 34-year-old; and, after witnessing their terrific showdown on Saturday, who could complain?
