Mikaela Mayer Vs. Sandy Ryan 2: Strategic Analysis

Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) and Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) are set to face each other tonight at the Bleaulive Theater inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Their first match was an action-packed war driven by betrayal, hatred, and a world championship.

Betrayal in that Mayer’s longtime trainer Kay Koroma was released by Mikaela due to him working with Ryan, she did so because he knew she aspired to one day move up to the welterweight and eventually challenge the champions in that division. Champions that would include Ryan. She felt betrayed and released him. She hired former boxer Kofi Jantuah and believes that because of his training, he is now a much better boxer.

There was hatred in that Ryan believed the paint attack she suffered on fight night was caused by Mayer’s team. The culprits have yet to be identified, and it’s still unknown who exactly was behind the attack. Ryan appeared somewhat phased when the incident occurred and fought angrily during the early rounds. The match itself was an action-packed war where both fighters threw 1,203 punches combined. It was a close match, with Mikaela winning by majority decision. In the rematch, they appear to be set to pick up where they left off. At yesterday’s weigh-in, they had a very intense face-off where neither one would give an inch, standing nose to nose.

Sandy came in lighter for this match (145.5 lbs.) than she did in the first (146.6 lbs.), possibly choosing to be more agile and mobile. In the first match, Mayer won the early rounds due to her mobility and boxing skills. The lateral movement created some difficulties for Ryan. When  Mayer stayed in the pocket and traded with Ryan, she paid for it. Sandy landed several hard left hooks. Mikaela has stated she intends to increase her work rate for the rematch. If she gives  Ryan more opportunities and does not defend better than she did in the first match, she’ll get punished more. Mayer’s output was the highest in Round 6, throwing 77 punches; she also got hit the most in that round, with Sandy landing a fight high 28 punches in that round (Compubox).

Sandy was most effective when Mayer stayed in the pocket. She was less effective when Mayer was mobile, as she had difficulties cutting the ring off and landing punches. If Mayer’s strategy is to stay in the pocket and trade with Ryan, she’ll be fighting Sandy’s fight, and tactically, it could cost her the match. She must utilize lateral movement and box at mid to long range and use her guard better than she did in the first fight. There is still a lot of bad blood between the two, and this should make for a great action-packed sequel that may be better than the original.