The weeks of fighting can be repetitive for everyone involved. There are so many ways to talk about beating someone up, and in the days leading up to a big fight, participants tire of the old routine. They just want to let go of their hands.
Mikaela Mayer can talk trash with the best. The reigning Ring, IBF and WBO junior lightweight champion has not been at a loss for words in the run-up to her much-anticipated unification fight with WBC titleholder Alycia Baumgardner, which takes place at London’s O2 Arena. The pair have exchanged verbal barbs for months.
However, Mayer, 32, is a fun interview and has plenty of other things to say. The Colorado-based Californian is fully aware of the importance of this all-female doubleheader: Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall square off for the undisputed middleweight championship on this card, and she’s poised to make the most of her British debut.
“I really enjoy that the UK fans are very tough when it comes to boxing,” Mayer told The Ring before leaving for London. “It’s different than here in the United States where soccer rules. In the UK, boxing appears to be one of two main sports: football and boxing. I’ve wanted to get in the ring and perform for my UK fans.
“As a business woman, I would be stupid not to take advantage of this market. The people of the UK are very welcoming when it comes to women’s boxing; they are hugging us I want to put my face in front of them and see what I can do on that side of the pond. It’s been a progression.”
Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) has also made a name for himself in the world of pundits. Knowledgeable, serious, well-spoken and photogenic, the champion has done a great job as an expert analyst on both sides of the pond.
“I was a little nervous at first, I had never done it before,” Mayer acknowledged. “The first time I started commentating, I was sent to ESPN, the largest sports network in the world, with professionals who have been doing it for a long time. But over time I realized that my opinion is just as valid, if not more so. [valid]considering I’m in the ring doing or training to do what I’m sitting and criticizing, right?
“I have a different perspective, and coming from the background that I have, with Coach Al [Mitchell], and with him being so technical, I’ve really been able to use what he taught me when it comes to taking opponents down and studying the tape. Many of the things I have predicted have come true. I’m honest and outspoken at times, but I think the UK fans appreciate that. They appreciate it a little more than Americans (laughs), but that’s great.”
Mayer criticizes Jennifer Han. Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images
Many feel the 12-1 Baumgardner might be the toughest test of Mayer’s career to date. The hard-hitting Ohio native relieved Terri Harper (TKO 4) of the WBC title last November, going from a relatively unknown contender to an elite player. However, it must be said, Baumgardner looked less destructive in her opening defense against Edith Matthysse (UD 10).
“I think one day she’s going to be a really good fighter, a more complete fighter, but she’s not complete enough yet,” Mayer said. “I’m going to take her into those uncomfortable spaces, and I don’t think she knows how to handle it because she would have shown it against Matthysse. She would have said, ‘she’s fine, I’m not going to put my big right hand on this girl, but she has nothing for me, I’ll push her and take it to her.’ She didn’t do that, so it’s pretty easy for me to figure out what her game plan is. We know what she’s going to make of it, but unfortunately for her, she doesn’t know what I’m going to give her. I can do more things.”
Mayer is so sure of victory that she is already looking past Baumgardner. While Hyun Mi Choi may not be a household name, she is the holder of the WBA 130-pound title, which would be the only award from the governing body not in Mayer’s possession should she prevail on Saturday.
However, the undefeated Korean is proving to be very elusive outside of the ring.
“I’ll go straight for Choi,” said Mayer, who has been aiming for the undisputed distinction for years. “I want it in December; That’s how quickly I’m willing to go back to camp to do this fight. December or early January at the latest. And if it doesn’t happen, then, peace, I’m going up to 135. I’m not going to sit around waiting for these girls. Unquestionable is a goal of mine, but it is not the only goal.
“It would be a shame [if I don’t get the chance]. I don’t know what’s wrong with Choi. He has avoided all offers, not only from me, but also from the Baumgardner team. No one can fight this girl. I don’t understand why the WBA hasn’t stripped her. She is not fighting anyone of status. She is 19-0 and the longest reigning champion in boxing (2014-2022). Who are you fighting with? If she turns down another offer, she needs to be undressed.”
And if Mayer makes history by becoming the undisputed champion, will that be enough for her? Will she trade her boxing gloves for a microphone and she’ll sit safely at ringside full time?
No way!
“I’ve been steadily climbing that list pound for pound, going up with every win,” Mayer said defiantly. I think I have what it takes [to be number one]. I just need to keep facing the best and get these wins under my belt. I think I’ve done a very good job and I don’t walk away from anyone. They fight me.
“Obviously, undisputed at 130 is my goal, then down to 135 to challenge Katie Taylor. I’ve always been open to that fight and I want to test myself. That’s a must before I retire and she retires. So 135 for Katie Taylor, then 140. There are a lot of talented girls at 140 that I think I can beat. I have the height (5ft 9) and I can go to 140 and get stronger. So maybe even 147, I’m not kidding. I have a few years left on my contract and I wouldn’t mind getting 135, 140 and 147.”
Mayer-Baumgardner, Shields-Marshall, plus undercard action will be broadcast on ESPN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.
YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
MIKAELA MAYER: BAUMGARDNER IS ONE-DIMENSIONAL, I AM GOING TO EXPOSE IT
Tom Gray is Managing Editor of Ring Magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing
