The FightPost Female Fight of the Year: Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan

The FightPost Female Fight of the Year: Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan

Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan engaged in a fight of the year contender in 2024. A New York battle that had a little bit of everything. The pre-fight drama included a disgusting red paint attack on Ryan as she was leaving her hotel to go to the arena. A clearly emotional Ryan bravely decided to fight when many would have pulled out. The Derby fighter said she fought with too much emotion and anger, citing that as a reason for losing her WBO world welterweight title to Mayer on a majority points decision. It was very much unfinished business.

A rematch was inevitable, and Mayer and Ryan went to Las Vegas in March to settle their personal rivalry. And their differences. This was no fake feud. Mayer and Ryan don’t like each other, and they showed that in the twenty brutal rounds that they shared together over two unforgettable fights.

The rematch didn’t quite reach the heights of the first fight. But it still stands out in its own right, and is a thoroughly deserving winner in this fight of the year category.

Ryan elected to box more in the opening two rounds. But Mayer quickly dragged her into her kind of fight. As the fight headed into the second half of the contest, Mayer started to pull away on the cards. At times, Ryan looked lost and dejected as she sensed the fight was slipping away from her. But Ryan found hope and renewed belief in the closing rounds when a cut over Mayer’s right eye smeared her face with blood, and Ryan went for broke in the 9th round. But Mayer stood firm, and she wouldn’t be denied. Despite a brave, determined effort from the former champion, the decision was a formality. The scores were unanimous, and Mayer had her hand raised again courtesy of two 97-93 scorecards and a wider 98-92. Mayer wanted to remove all lingering doubt. And she did.

But both fighters played their part in two scintillating fights of immense brutality. The female side of the sport needs intense rivalries and fights like what Mayer and Ryan gave us.

Honourable Mention: Kaye Scott vs. Olivia Curry 1