Mikaela Mayer is set to rematch Sandy Ryan this weekend after controversy marred their first fight.
Mikaela Mayer currently holds a record of 20-2, with her two losses both coming controversially at the hands of Natasha Jonas and Jake Paul‘s latest signing, Alycia Baumgardner.
Mayer’s last fight saw her outpoint Britain’s Sandy Ryan in a closely-contested fight for Ryan’s WBO welterweight title.
The American’s win was not without controversy, though, as an assault on Ryan hours before the fight had everybody talking.
Mikaela Mayer denied involvement in Sandy Ryan paint assault
Hours before their fight, which was to take place in the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York, Ryan fell victim to an attack in which red paint was thrown all over he as she left her hotel to make her way to the venue.
Ryan was forced to clean up, get changed and make her way to the venue later than planned. Ryan accused of Mayer and her team of foul play, though Mayer denied these accusations, saying:
“I heard that she thought that it had something to do with me and my team, which is disappointing. Obviously Sandy is my rival and my opponent but I would never go that far.”
Eddie Hearn confirmed the NYPD did get involved regarding the assault on Ryan.
Mikaela Mayer’s coach switches to Team Sandy Ryan months after paint bucket drama
Ryan seeks to settle the score in their rematch this weekend, but there has been one change in both of their teams, as Mayer’s coach Kay Koroma has moved from Team Mayer to Team Ryan, and had this to say on why:
“People need to start to think: ‘Damn would I really be Mikaela Mayer’s friend? Would I really trust Mikaela Mayer?’ because if I make her mad she might stab me in my back, she might turn on me, you don’t know the stuff they’ve tried to do to me.”
Koroma continued: “Noone ever told her to stop. […] Wow this fight made you really get like this? It brought out the real [Mayer], It brought out how you really feel about me. It’s not about someone stole your coach, it’s about respect.”
The rematch comes at a great time for women’s boxing, as Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 has also been announced after Taylor beat Serrano twice, with the latter being on the undercard of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson. Serrano claims Taylor intentionally headbutt her to secure the victory, but a third fight is sure to entice fans either way.