Mikaela Mayer will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against former champion Sandy Ryan on Saturday, March 29, at Bleaulive Theater, Las Vegas, it was announced today.
In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas. Also, rising featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will fight Jose Enrique Vivas in a 10-round WBC final eliminator on the card.
Mayer, 20-2 (5 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, defeated Ryan by majority decision when the pair met for the first time in September. Even so, she had no qualms about going over old ground on March 29.
“I’ve never been one to shy away from challenges,” said Mayer. “I could have taken my belt and moved on, but it was a highly entertaining fight, and if this is what the fans want, then that’s what I’ll give them.
“I have stayed in the gym and am getting better every day. It will be worse for Sandy this time, but regardless, expect another action-packed fight.”
Meanwhile, Ryan, 7-2-1 (3 KOs), is convinced that with experience she will fare better second time around.
“As crazy as this sounds after what happened last time in New York, I am actually looking forward to returning to the U.S.,” the Briton said. “I’ve had some remarkable, history-making fights here already, so the opportunity to come back and showcase my talent while headlining in the fight capital of the world is amazing.
“This time I will be fully prepared for whatever comes my way. I’m not making any excuses, but after what happened before the fight last time, I did fight in anger, and it clearly affected my performance. But it was a great fight and did great numbers for ESPN, so that’s why Mayer had to take this rematch. It’s the biggest fight for both of us, and everyone wants to see it again. On March 29, the world will see a focused, determined, and talented fighter in the shape of her life, and I will reclaim my world title.”
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