Baumgardner Beats Mayer By Split-Decision
Alycia Baumgardner defeated her American rival Mikaela Mayer by a hotly-disputed split-decision tonight at the O2 Arena in London in an engrossing captivating affair and is now just one step away from full undisputed status at super-featherweight.
Mayer got one judge on her side with a 97-93 scorecard, but the two remaining cards of 96-95 and a repeat 96-95 edged the fight in favour of Baumgardner. This observer had it 96-94 for Mayer. And while it was undoubtedly close, I couldn’t really make a case for Mayer losing her unbeaten record. A close fight shouldn’t excuse the wrong decision being announced.
Baumgardner started the better, Mayer a little stiff and out of range, but by the 4th, Mayer had found her rhythm, and looked to be coasting to a routine win. But Baumgardner rallied in the 7th and the 8th, to give herself hope. But I thought Mayer extinguished those hopes in the remaining two rounds to seal her victory. But the judges saw it differently, and while the calls for a rematch will be loud, Baumgardner says she will target the one remaining belt, the WBA title currently held by the evasive Hyun Mi Choi.
The boos were loud and clear as Baumgardner made her winning speech. Mayer left the ring incensed. The London crowd were with her.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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