Tag Archives: Mikaela mayer

Posted on 01/27/2021

By: Jeandra Lebeauf

Mikaela Mayer is within striking distance of an achievement few boxers reach, the undisputed champion.

After defeating Ewa Brodnicka in October just last year to win the WBO super featherweight title, she turned her attention to WBC champion Terri Harper of Great Britain. The two have been exchanging words via social media before Mayer’s win, with Harper suggesting she secure a title before they were entertaining a fight. Although they both hold titles, they won’t be facing each other in the immediate future. Harper is pursuing a unification bout with WBA champion Hyun Mi Choi while Mayer looks to unify with IBF champion Maiva Hamadouche in May.

“I was originally was calling out Terri Harper,” says Mayer. “This goes back to like a year and a half ago when she got the world title fight against Eva Wahlstrom. I was under the impression we were in negotiations, and out of nowhere, we hear that the fights are between her and Harper. I was the number one contender in that division. She was number 13, and that’s the beef sort of came on.

Speaking to BoxingInsider.com this week, Mayer reflects on the night she won the WBO title and how the road to becoming an undisputed champion. A road that is paved with British fight fans that she’s convinced hate her.

“I think the entire UK hates me, but it’s gonna make for a good fight and spicy division. I think that by the end of 2021, we will have an undisputed champion. As long as I get the fighting as Neva and Choi and Harper can fight, then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have undefeated champions into the year.”

Posted on 07/14/2020

Mikaela Mayer vs Helen Joseph

In what was the first women’s main event on ESPN in several years, former Olympian Mikaela Mayer (13-5, KOs) made it look easy against Helen Joseph (17-5-2, 10 KOs).

Watching tonight’s contest at the MGM Grand Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada was akin to watching a movie on replay. From the first round to the tenth, nothing changed as Mayer did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted and cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

Javier Martinez vs Jonathan Burrs

Highly touted amateur Javier Martinez (1-0, 0 KOs) jumped into the win column tonight for his pro debut at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Waiting on Marinez on the night was the unheralded Jonathan Burrs (2-2, 0 KOs).

If the undefeated newly turned pro was expecting an easy night at the office, then he was sadly mistaken. The two traded power shots in the middle of the ring and barely allowed time for a lull period.

It may have taken Martinez the entire four rounds to get the job done, but it was a clean sweep on the according to all three judges who scored it 40-36 in favor of Martinez.

Clay Burns vs Ruben Cervera

For the second time in three weeks, Clay Burns (9-9-2, 4 KOs) found himself on the wrong end of a unanimous decision at the hands of the judges.

Ruben Cervera on the other hand, made it two wins in a row after losing his previous two. It was simply an easy nights work for Cervera as he landed a quick knockdown in the first round. From there he outworked his man over the course of six rounds and pulled in the 12th victory of his career.

Clay Collard vs Lorawnt Nelson

After handing losses to three undefeated prospects in a row, Clay Collard (8-2-3, 3 KOs) walked into his matchup against Lorawnt Nelson (5-4, 4 KOs) as a heavy favorite.

Collard proved his backers right as he floored his man multiple times en route to a second knockout win.

Posted on 07/07/2020

After knocking out COVID-19 two weeks prior, WBO super featherweight titlist Jamel Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) will look to do the same against Jonathon Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs). 

Herring was originally slated to defend his title against Oquendo on July 2nd, but had an unexpected opponent in COVID-19. The former marine was diagnosed with the deadly virus with only a few days left before his ring appearance which led to the cancellation of his contest against Oquendo. 

The super featherweight titlist proved that he is not only a champion inside of the ring, but also outside of it as he managed to bounce back quickly from the virus and is now set to headline a July 14th event against Oquendo. 

The additional time off has given Herring exactly what he needed in order to fully recover, and now, he is ready to move forward.

“I am back, healthy and 100 percent ready to defend my world title. Oquendo is a tough opponent,” said Herring on a Top Rank press release. “He realizes this is his last chance to win a world title. He’s coming for what I have and I’m not going to cut any corners. I will return home to celebrate with my family and my belt.”

Opportunities to fight for a world title don’t fall into the laps of fighters. Especially those who are at an advanced age. Yet, for the 36 year old Oquendo, he’s ready to seize the moment.

“We know Jamel is a slippery, tall, left-handed fighter who has an advantage in range,” said Oquendo on a Top Rank press release. “But we are working for that and we know that we will have no problems. My company knows how hard I fight and how hard I train. Fans like Jonathan Oquendo because he makes for great fights.”

Joining Herring during his July 14th event will be fellow COVID-19 conqueror Mikaela Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs). The former 2016 USA Olympian was initially set to take on perennial contender Helen Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs) on Top Ranks June 9th card but was removed after testing positive with the virus. 

She has since been cleared to make her way back and is excited to take on Joseph.

“After having two fights canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am relieved and excited to be back and grateful to Top Rank for getting me back on a card so quickly. I’m not the fighter you last saw in October. I’ve had three camps to peak myself and grow as an athlete. A whole new fighter is stepping in that ring on July 14, so I hope Helen is ready.”

The quick turnaround for both Mayer and Herring brings praise from Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. With each fighter medically cleared, he is expecting them to put on a great show.

“Jamel and Mikaela wanted to come back as soon as possible,” said Bob Arum. “We were happy to oblige them. They are healthy and ready to put forth tremendous performances.”

Posted on 06/07/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Promoter Bob Arum couldn’t hide his grin as he announced the entire boxing schedule for the month of June, early last week. It’s been nearly four months since live boxing has flashed across a television set. First up on boxing’s return is WBO Featherweight titlist Shakur Stevenson as he takes on the unheralded Felix Caraballo on June 9th. 

Stevenson might be expected to breeze right by his opponent, but Mikaela Mayer on the other hand, was set to take on her toughest test yet in Helen Joseph. Co main eventing on the first card back from a COVID-19 induced hiatus meant that the spotlight would be shining brightly upon Mayer. Unfortunately for her however, she won’t receive the attention she was hoping for.

The undefeated Featherweight prospect has recently tested positive for COVID-19 and will now begin her recovery process. With this being her first contest of the year on quite possibly the biggest stage of her career, the word disappointed would be an understatement to describe her feelings.

“I am heartbroken to report that I will no longer be fighting on Tuesday’s Top Rank card due to a positive result in my COVID-19 test yesterday,” said Mayer on her social media account. “It came as a complete surprise. I am currently asymptomatic and am quarantining at an off-site location per recommended guidelines. The rest of my team tested negative and they are all in good health.”

The news could not come at a more inopportune time for Mayer. At the age of 29, she has been tabbed as one of the bright stars in women’s boxing. However, without a ring appearance since October of 2019, her star could be dimming. With that being said, Mayer would rather look on the bright side. She is currently in good health and simply wants to make a return to the ring as soon as possible.

“I was really looking forward to bringing back boxing for all of you. I’m disappointed for myself, my team, my supporters and for my opponent. Helen Joseph worked just as hard to be here this week and put on a show for everyone. These protocols were put into place for a reason. It’s more important to care about the health and well-being of my team and the people at this event. I am complying with the rules set by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Top Rank to keep everyone safe.”