Mikaela Mayer made it two-for-two as she once again won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sandy Ryan to defend the WBO Welterweight title at The Fountainbleau Hotel in Las Vegas.

In round eight, Mayer was cut over the left eyelid from a headbutt.

Mayer landed 178 of 516 punches. Ryan was 146 of 377.

Mayer, 146 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice to up her record to 21-2. Ryan, 145.5 lbs of Derby, England is 7-3-1.

Mayer said, “I sat on my shots more and committed to my hooks more. Those hooks were coming over the top. Sandy tends to stand straight up. She comes forward and puts the pressure on. So we worked on chopping her down with those hooks over the top.”

“I had been needing to move to welterweight for a long time. So, when I finally did, it just took a good, solid year and a half of hard work. This is where I’m comfortable, and this is where I should have been.”

“I beat Sandy Ryan twice. Now it’s time for me to move on and go for undisputed, which is against Lauren Price.

Norman Jr. Stops Cuevas in 3; Retains Welterweight Title

Brian Norman Jr. made the first defense of the WBO Welterweight title with a third round stoppage of Derrieck Cuevas.

In round three, Norman dropped Cuevas with a left hook to the head. Cuevas got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Norman, 146.7 lbs of Atlanta is now 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Cuevas, 146.3 lbs of Catano, PR is 27-2-1.

Norman said, “I feel wonderful. I had a little ring rust to start off, but you saw that I shook that off real quick.”
 
“I was just getting back into it. I was out for 10 months. So, it was just about getting back into the field and being in front of everybody. As you saw, it wasn’t a struggle at all. Great opponent. Only has one defeat. And you saw what I did to him.”
 
“I want one of these {other} belts. I see them out here trying to make unification fights. Where’s my little piece at?”

Bruce Carrington took out Jose Enrique Vivas in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Carrington dropped Vivas with an uppercut. In round three, Carrington continued to batter Vivas with right hands and the fight was stopped at 53 seconds.

Carrington, 125.3 lbs of Brooklyn is now 15-0 with nine knockouts. Vivas, 125.8 lbs of Mexico is 23-4.

Carrington said. “Every fight is not going to be a knockout, but I’m always performing and do what I have to do.”

“I just saw him opening up. He was doing exactly what I wanted him to do. That was part of the game plan. I wanted him to feel comfortable and open up. And then I was just going to get my shots on the inside and get him out of there.”

“Nick Ball? Yeah, I want that. Stephen Fulton? Yeah, I want that. Let’s get this work in. I want all of ya’ll.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas remained undefeated and stopped Giovannie Gonzalez in round two of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Vargas landed two hard rights that was followed by a left hook that dumped Gonzalez on his back. Gonzalez got to his feet but stumbled and the fight was stopped at 2:08

Vargas, 138.6 lbs of Las Vegas is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts, Gonzalez, 138.3 lbs of Lodi, CA is 20-8-2.

Tiger Johnson stopped Kendo Castaneda in round five of their eight-round welterweight fight.

In round five, Johnson dropped Castaneda with a right to the body. Later in the round it was another left that sent Castaneda down and the fight was stopped at 2:00.

Johnson, 146 lbs of Cleveland is 15-0 with seven knockouts. Castaneda, 146.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 21-9.

Dedrick Crocklem stopped Dionne Ruvalcaba in the opening round of their four round junior lightweight bout.

Crocklem swarmed Ruvalcaba with a series of right hooks and the bout was stopped at

Crocklem, 128.6 lbs of Tacoma, WA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Guzman, 128.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 2-2.

Emmanuel Chance made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Miguel Guzman in a bantamweight bout.

Chance, 119.4 lbs of East Orange, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 1-0. Guzman, 118.7 lbs of San Bernadino, CA is 1-1.

 •  Mikaela Mayer 146 lbs. vs. Sandy Ryan 145.5 lbs
(Mayer’s WBO Welterweight World Title – 10 Rounds)

   • Brian Norman Jr. 146.7 lbs vs. Derrieck Cuevas 146.3 lbs
(Norman’s WBO Welterweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

•  Bruce Carrington 125.3 lbs vs. Jose Enrique Vivas 125.8 lbs
 (WBC Featherweight Eliminator — 10 Rounds)

•  Emiliano Fernando Vargas 138.6 lbs vs. Giovannie Gonzalez 138.3 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Tiger Johnson 146 lbs vs. Kendo Castañeda 146.8 lbs
 (Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Dedrick Crocklem 128.6 lbs vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba 128.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Emmanuel Chance 119.4 lbs vs. Miguel Guzman 118.7 lbs
 (Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (March 27, 2025) — Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer and former champion Sandy Ryan are two days away from settling unfinished business.

Mayer will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against Ryan this Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) edged Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) via split decision following a chaotic pre-fight buildup last September, sparking calls for an immediate rematch.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs).

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), who faces Mexican slugger Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round WBC final eliminator.

U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (14-0, 6 KOs) makes his welterweight debut against Kendo Castaneda (21-8, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder, while junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 8 KOs) steps up against Giovannie Gonzalez (20-7-2, 15 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters said at Thursday’s press conference:

Mikaela Mayer
 
“I am glad that she pulled through {in the first fight}. It’s disappointing that her team wasn’t as cool, calm, and collected as she was. Your team is supposed to hold you down and keep your mind right. So that was unfortunate, but she showed up and gave the fans a good fight. You’ve got to give her props for that.”
 
“I really feel great. I feel better than ever. Many people feel that at this stage of your career, it’s hard to make that much of a jump and develop or change much. But I really do feel that I’m better than ever. I’m stronger and healthy at welterweight. I’m not really cutting weight. All my little tweaks and injuries went away. And I’ve been able to put on muscle.”
 
“I’m sure she feels that {she will stop me}. I’m sure she felt that way in the last fight when she was saying that I’m not truly a welterweight. But I still sent her to the hospital with a concussion. If I did that then when I was new to welterweight, then I’m going to hurt her 10 times more this time around.”
 
Sandy Ryan
 
“I’ve worked hard. I’ve had a long camp here. I’m ready to make a difference on Saturday night.”
 
“I’m not taking anything away from Mikaela. She’s got the belt. I appreciate her accepting the rematch and making this fight. It’s what the fans wanted because it was a great first fight. But I’ll be taking that belt back.”
 
“I know that I’m a fighter. I would have never pulled out of the fight {after the paint incident}. I let people see what kind of person and fighter I am. Despite what they threw at me, I still got in there and put on a performance.”
 
“I need to just be me with no distractions. I need to be levelheaded and calm. That’s how I’m approaching this whole fight week and fight night.”

Brian Norman Jr.

“You’re not a real champion until you defend your title. And I’ve got a tough competitor ahead of me. I’m ready to prove myself.”

“It is a transition from targeting others to now being a target. So now it’s not about looking out anymore but more so about looking in at the man in the mirror and on what I need to work on. I now have nothing holding me back regarding injuries. I’m very well rested. I’ve got my mind together. I’ve got everything together. And now it’s just time to prove myself.”

“I hit hard. I got speed. I’m not going to get tired. I’ve got 12 rounds to beat you up if need be. You simply don’t have enough.”

Derrieck Cuevas

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I’ve been training very hard. I’m ready. I’m born for this.”

“He’s got the pressure. He’s got to look good because everyone knows that he didn’t get the belt by fighting a world champion. But, I’m ready. I hit hard. I’m strong.”

“You’re a good fighter. But I’m stronger than you. I’m smarter than you. You will see Saturday night.”

Bruce Carrington

“I’m super prepared. There is nothing that can knock my confidence now. I feel like it’s already written. I feel like all I need to do is step in the ring, and everything will just happen the way it’s supposed to happen in order for me to get the victory.”

“I want to be a world champion by the end of 2025. I am not looking past Jose Enrique Vivas. But I’m for sure looking through him, though. This is one of the steps I need to take in order to make what I want happen.”

Jose Enrique Vivas

“I trained very hard in Mexico at 9,000 feet altitude. We were supposed to fight last June, but there was an issue with my visa. It arrived too late, so we stayed in camp. I always stay training. I’ve got a gym in Mexico, so I’m always there. And I’m ready. God’s timing is perfect. Now we’re here to give a war and, God willing, win.”

“I am very prepared. This is my time. I was born to be a champion. This is my dream, so we will win on Saturday.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“In my last fight, I had a hairline fracture in my hand. I pushed through, and 30 seconds later, I was able to get him out of there. A lot of people didn’t know that. But I was able to push through adversity and get him out there with my other hand. When you are a winner, you find a way to win. I’m an exciting fighter. I could have gone the distance, but why not give the fans a show?”

Tiger Johnson

“It was time for me to move up to welterweight. I didn’t really feel like myself. But I’m happy that I’ve been able to get a lot of experience with the fights I’ve been getting. Top Rank has been doing a really good job with me. It has helped me.”

“I’m feeling a lot stronger now. We had a really good camp, and I’m ready to put on an amazing performance.”
 

Saturday, March 29
 

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan, 10 rounds, Mayer’s WBO Welterweight World Title

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas, 12 rounds, Norman’s WBO Welterweight World Title
 

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Jose Enrique Vivas, 10 rounds, WBC featherweight eliminator 

Dedrick Crocklem vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba, 4 rounds, junior lightweight

LAS VEGAS (March 26, 2025) — Six months after a fight for the ages and a pre-fight paint attack, WBO welterweight world champion Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan faced off in advance of Saturday’s rematch at Bleaulive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The war of words evolved into a long, steely staredown Wednesday afternoon outside of the Bleaulive Theater.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs).

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features Brooklyn featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), who faces Mexican slugger Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round WBC final eliminator.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MatchroomBoxing, tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what Mayer and Ryan had to say to Sky Sports after Wednesday’s faceoff.

Sandy Ryan

“You can see she loves the attention, the talk. When you don’t give her that, it triggers her. So, she’s saying, ‘Oh, she’s scared.’ I’m not scared. We just did a faceoff. This is for the media. This is what’s in the contract, and we’re here. She loves to talk and loves the media. When you don’t give her that, it makes her talk all kinds of nonsense.”

Mikaela Mayer

“She thinks she’s so tricky. We know that’s how she is. We know she’s going to say that because she doesn’t like to engage anyway, and neither does her coach. Her coach wants to hide and stay in the shadows, and he’s probably telling her, ‘Don’t engage.’ I’m just doing what I have to do. I don’t do anything but speak the facts, and I’m doing my part to sell this fight. Everyone is coming together and working hard to give her the rematch that she wanted. The least she can do is show up and help the promotion of this fight.”
 

Saturday, March 29

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan, 10 rounds, Mayer’s WBO Welterweight World Title

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas, 12 rounds, Norman’s WBO Welterweight World Title
 

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Jose Enrique Vivas, 10 rounds, WBC featherweight eliminator 

Emmanuel Chance vs. Miguel Guzman, 4 rounds, bantamweight

Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against former champion Sandy Ryan.

Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, rose through the junior lightweight ranks to win the IBF and WBO titles before claiming the WBC interim lightweight crown. Following a narrow split decision defeat to Natasha Jonas for the IBF welterweight crown, Mayer rebounded with a hard-fought majority decision over Ryan last September to become a two-division world champion.

Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs), a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist, turned pro in 2021 and, after avenging her first loss, captured the WBO welterweight title in 2023 by outpointing Marie-Pier Houle. Following a draw against Jessica McCaskill and a defining knockout of Terri Harper last March, her title reign ended at the hands of Mayer.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas.

Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) turned pro in January 2018 and went 11-0 in his first year. He secured the WBO interim welterweight title with a 10th-round knockout of the previously undefeated Giovani Santillan last May. He became the organization’s full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year.

Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) enters his first world title opportunity riding a four-fight knockout streak that began in December 2022 with a second-round demolition of Esneiker Correa.
 
Rising featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will square off against Jose Enrique Vivas in a 10-round WBC final eliminator as the featured bout on the ESPN+-streamed undercard.

The action-packed undercard begins at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

Original Programming:

Two original programs will air across ESPN linear networks throughout Mayer vs. Ryan 2 fight week.

One More Round: Ryan vs. Mayer 1

Three-time WNBA champion Chelsea Gray and former WNBA scoring champion Arike Ogunbowale lock in to watch the epic war and 2024 “Women’s Fight of the Year” nominee between Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer for the welterweight world title at Madison Square Garden.

The Good Exchange: Mikaela Mayer x Seniesa Estrada

Former undisputed world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada sits down with two-division world champion and former U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer to discuss Mayer’s rise to boxing superstardom.

ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Mayer vs. Ryan (All Times ET)

LAS VEGAS (March 25, 2025) — Fight week has arrived for the continuation of one of the fiercest rivalries women’s boxing has ever seen.

Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against former champion Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) this Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. 

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs).
 
Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale via https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/entertainment/top-rank-boxing/.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) features rising featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs) as he locks horns with Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round WBC final eliminator.

In additional undercard action:

• Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Giovannie Gonzalez, 8 rounds, junior welterweight 

• Tiger Johnson vs. Kendo Castañeda, 8 rounds, welterweight 
   
• Dedrick Crocklem vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba, 4 rounds, junior lightweight
• Emmanuel Chance vs. Miguel Guzman, 4 rounds, bantamweight 

Original Programming

One More Round: Ryan vs. Mayer I: Three-time WNBA champion Chelsea Gray and former WNBA scoring champion Arike Ogunbowale watch the epic war and 2024 Women’s Fight of the Year nominee between Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer.
 
The Good Exchange: Mikaela Mayer & Seniesa Estrada: Former undisputed world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada sits down with two-division world champion and 2016 U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer to discuss Mayer’s rise as an American superstar in women’s boxing.

One More Round and The Good Exchange are available now on Top Rank’s YouTube Channel, while new episodes of Top Rank Real Time, a behind-the-scenes look at the fighters and their camps, will premiere every day throughout the week.

Fight Week Schedule

Wednesday, March 26: Face-Off 
Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan will launch fight week with their first face-off since sharing the ring last September.

Highlights from the event will be featured on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Thursday, March 27: Mayer vs. Ryan 2 Final Presser
4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Friday, March 28: Mayer vs. Ryan 2 Official Weigh-In
4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Saturday, March 29: Mayer vs. Ryan 2 Fight Night

Undercard Stream
7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
LIVE and exclusively on ESPN+

ESPN Broadcast
10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+

# # #

About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort that brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.
 

LAS VEGAS (March 11, 2025) — Southpaw phenom Emmanuel Chance, a bantamweight from East Orange, New Jersey, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank.

The 18-year-old will make his professional debut in a four-round bout on Saturday, March 29, as part of the Mikaela Mayer-Sandy Ryan II undercard at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Chance is managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard.

“Emmanuel is an exceptional talent who has already accomplished so much. His style is suited to the professional ranks,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to watching his professional debut, the first fight in a journey that I believe will include multiple world championships.”

Chance said, “I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to showcase my skills. This didn’t hit me until I visited the Top Rank offices and took everything in. So many legendary fighters have started their careers with Top Rank, and I want to follow in their footsteps.”

Chance has been fighting and dominating national amateur tournaments for the better part of a decade. As an amateur, he spent invaluable time in the gym working with three-weight world champion and fellow New Jersey native Shakur Stevenson. Chance won the USA Boxing Junior National Championships in 2021 and the USA Boxing Youth National Championships the following year. In 2023, Chance overcame a loaded field to capture gold at the Brandenburg Youth Cup in Lindow, Germany. Last November, he earned a silver medal at the U19 World Boxing Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, cementing his status as one of the world’s elite amateurs.

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 30, 2025) — The paint isn’t dry, and the rivalry isn’t over.
 
Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer will defend her WBO welterweight world title in a rematch against former champion Sandy Ryan on Saturday, March 29, at Bleaulive Theater, the fully-customizable, 90,000-square-foot theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
 
The tension between the two intensified before their first encounter last September. Mayer claimed Ryan had stolen her trainer, while Ryan accused Team Mayer of orchestrating a pre-fight stunt that saw Ryan doused with paint outside of the New York City fight hotel. Mayer dethroned Ryan via majority decision, but the brushwork on this feud is far from finished.

In the co-feature, Brian Norman Jr. will make the inaugural defense of his WBO welterweight world championship against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas.
 
Rising featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will square off against Jose Enrique Vivas in a 10-round WBC final eliminator as the featured bout on the ESPN+-streamed undercard.

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. PT via https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/entertainment/top-rank-boxing/.
 
“The rivalry between Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan is one of the fiercest we’ve seen in recent years, and both are determined to put it to rest once and for all,” says Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Brian Norman Jr. faces a tough first defense, but I’m confident he’ll rise to the occasion and prove he belongs at the top. Bruce Carrington is close to a world title shot, and this fight is his chance to cement his place in line.”
 
“I’m delighted that Sandy has a second chance in Las Vegas,” says Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The rivalry between the pair spilled over in New York, and there’s certainly no love lost between them. But when they got in the ring at Madison Square Garden, they delivered one of the fights of the year for 2024.
 
“Although Mikaela got the nod last time, it was a pick’em fight with only a coat of paint to separate them. I’m confident that it will be revenge, not repeat, on March 29, and Sandy will be crowned a two-time world champion.”
 
“We are thrilled to welcome back Top Rank for what is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of 2025,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Fedor Banuchi. “The Mayer-Ryan title rematch brings a level of excitement and anticipation to the resort and further highlights the resort’s commitment to delivering can’t-miss experiences.”
 
??Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, debuted in 2017 and tore through the junior lightweight ranks before capturing the IBF and WBO world titles. She came up short in a disputed October 2022 split decision against WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner but moved up to lightweight the following April to claim the WBC interim crown with a win over Lucy Wildheart. After outpointing Silvia Bortot that September, Mayer returned four months later to challenge Natasha Jonas for the IBF strap, losing a close split decision in a toe-to-toe classic. Undeterred, Mayer set her sights on Ryan for the WBO belt and became a two-division ruler.
 
“I’ve never been one to shy away from challenges. 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,” Mayer said. “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.”

Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs), the fighting pride of Derby, England, turned pro in 2021 after capturing gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2014 World Championships. She avenged her first pro loss to Erica Farias with a decisive unanimous verdict and claimed the vacant WBO welterweight title in April 2023 by outpointing Marie-Pier Houle. A contentious draw with former undisputed champion Jessica McCaskill stalled her hopes at unifying the division, but Ryan rebounded last March with a career-best knockout of Terri Harper. Her championship reign came to a halt last September against Mayer in a Fight of The Year candidate.
 
“As crazy as this sounds after what happened last time in New York, I am actually looking forward to returning to the U.S.,” Ryan 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. 
 
“I want to thank my promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, my manager Brian Peters, and Bob Arum for getting the rematch done. It will be another amazing fight for women’s boxing and boxing in general, and I look forward to reclaiming my title.”
 
Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) turned pro in January 2018 and went 11-0 in his first year. He garnered national attention in 2020 with a gritty technical decision over Flavio Rodriguez. He followed it up with a dominant 2021 campaign that saw him register four brutal stoppages. After a year-long layoff, Norman signed a promotional contract with Top Rank and went 3-0 in 2023 with decisions over Rodrigo Coria, Jesus Perez, and Quinton Randall. He secured the WBO interim welterweight title with a 10th-round knockout of previously undefeated Giovani Santillan last May. Norman became the organization’s full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year. 
 
Norman said, “Fighting for a championship belt is every fighter’s dream, so I know Cuevas is training as hard as possible for this fight. He is a tough competitor who brings everything he has to win this fight. That said, as the WBO champion, I can guarantee a spectacular performance come March 29.”
 
Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) enters his first world title opportunity riding a four-fight knockout streak that began in December 2022 with a second-round demolition of Esneiker Correa. In 2023, he fought three times in Panama, closing out the year with a sixth-round TKO against once-beaten Marlon Aguas in December. The 30-year-old standout will make his eighth appearance on U.S. soil. 
 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas for a world title,” Cuevas said, “That’s the dream of every fighter. I respect Norman, but on March 29, a new champion will be crowned.”
 
Carrington (14-0, 8 KOs), a 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, rose swiftly to claim the WBO’s number one contender spot after turning pro in October 2021. The 27-year-old native of Brownsville, Brooklyn, secured four victories in 2024, starting with a highlight-reel fourth-round knockout of Bernard Torres in February, a finish that went viral and was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10. In May, he stopped Brayan De Gracia in the eighth round and returned in September to overcome a stern challenge from Sulaiman Segawa and a majority decision. He capped the year in November with a one-sided unanimous decision over Dana Coolwell on the undercard of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson event in Arlington, Texas. 
 
Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs), a rugged 30-year-old from Mexico, began his career with a sensational 17-0 run before suffering his first defeat to Ruben Villa in September 2019. He rebounded with four straight wins, highlighted by a 10-round decision over unbeaten Carlos Jackson in July 2020 and an eight-round victory against Louie Coria in May 2021. Although he dropped a close decision to eventual world title challenger Eduardo Baez the following March and lost a unanimous decision to Joet Gonzalez in April 2023, Vivas regained his momentum last February with a first-round TKO over Jonathan Aguilar.
 

# # #

 
 
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Mikaela Mayer won the WBO Welterweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Sandy Ryan at The Madison Square Garden Theater.

It was a high action, high contact fight. The two traded hard shots throughout the fight. Mayer had a solid first half of the fight, with Ryan landing some hard shots with both hands.

In round five, Mayer cut over over her left eyelid.

Ryan landed 185 of 567 punches. Mayer was 186 of 636.

Mayer won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

Mayer, 146.8 lbs of Los Angeles is now 20-2. Ryan, 146.6 lbs of Derby, ENG 7-2-1.

The two fighters had bad blood throughout the build due to one Mayer’s trainers Emanuel “Flick” Savoy becoming the lead trainer of Ryan. The strangeness of the build up continued n fight night as somebody threw paint on Ryan as she left her hotel

Mayer said, “It was similar to how I thought it would go. I always said before that I respected Sandy as a boxer. She has a big pedigree, just like myself, but I knew I was gonna beat her to the punch. I knew I was faster. I knew I was sharper. And that’s exactly what I did.

“I picked it up halfway through the fight, like I always do. I always turn it on in that second half of the fight. And she just couldn’t handle my timing. So, I felt like I won the fight, and I’m just glad I got the right decision this time.

“I want to finish what I started and go undisputed. I came very close at junior lightweight. But my body outgrew that weight. I’m comfortable now. I feel like I’m stronger than ever. I’m still in my prime, as you can see. So I’m coming for the other champions.”

Ryan said, “I’m obviously disappointed, and I’m not taking nothing away from the decision. But before coming to the venue, I don’t know if you guys seen, but I had a hit and run {with paint outside the hotel}. And that was definitely set up. I’m not taking nothing away from the win, but it unsettled me.

“It threw me off a bit of my game plan because I just wanted to fight. And you saw at the start of the fight, I was handling her quite well on the jab. I was boxing her and then I started to pick it up. But then, I was obviously pushing it too hard.

“It’s nice to fight in America again. But I just don’t like the circumstances that happened to me before the fight. But I can’t take nothing away from that. It is what it is.”

Zayas Decisions Sosa

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Damian Sosa in a junior middleweight bout.

Zayas was 256 of 685 punches. Sosa was 74 of 524.

Zayas, 153.4 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 100-90 on all scorecards and is 20-0. Sosa, 153.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-3.

Zayas said, “He pushed me and elevated me to the next level. Now, I feel like I’m ready. Before, I felt like I was ready. But now I think I let everybody know that I’m ready for the elite names.

“Man, they said he throws 84 punches per round. I didn’t see that today. I did my job. Now, I just have to be calm, relax, and see what my promoter wants. I want whoever is in the top five.”

Carrington Wins Majority Decision over Segawa

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over Sulaiman Segawa in a featherweight bout.

In round seven, Carrington suffered a hematoma from a clash of heads.

Carrington landed 91 of 358 punches. Segawa was 108 of 416.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 97093 twice and 95-95 and is now 13-0. Segawa, 123.8 lbs of Kempala, UGA is 17-5-1.

Carrington said, “I owe him a lot {for that education tonight}. This is just gonna get me to the next level. I just learned to deal with the off-tempo. I got a couple of things I gotta work on back in the gym. We gotta get back on our beat and have more dominant performances. But as long as we got the ‘W’ at the end of the day, we’re still good.”

Vito Mielnicki Jr. won a 10-round majority decision over Khalil El Harraz in a junior middleweight bout.

Mielnicki, 153.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 95-95 and is now 20-1. El Harraz, 152.4 lbs of Rome, ITA 16-6-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a eigt-round unanimous decision over Mario Hernandez in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Diaz dropped Hernandez with a step-back right uppercut.

Diaz, 117.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-73 twice and 77-74 and is now 13-0. Hernandez, 117.2 lbs of Mexico is 12-5-1.

Elvis Rodriguez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kendo Castaneda in a junior welterweight bout.

In round five, Castaneda was cut around his left eye.

Rodriguez, 142.8 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 17-1-1. Castaneda, 142 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 21-7.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Yomar Alamo in a junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 140.8 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 14-0. Alamo, 140.2 lbs of Agua Buernas, PR is 22-3-1.

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated as he became the first man to drop and stop Marcelino Lopez in round six of their 10-round welterweight bout.

At the end of round three, Polanco dropped Lopez with an uppercut. It was the first time that Lopez had been down in his 43-fight career. Lopez was cut in the bridge of the nose. In round four, Polanco landed an overhand right that forced Lopez to take a knee.

In round six, Polanco landed a combinbation that punctuated by a right hand that put Lopez down to a knee. Polanco ended things when he landed a hard combination that put Lopez down again and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Polanco, 143.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 14-0 with nine knockouts. Lopez, 143 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 37-5-1.

• Sandy Ryan 146.6 lbs. vs. Mikaela Mayer 146.8 lbs
(Ryan’s WBO Welterweight World Title – 10 Rounds)

• Xander Zayas 153.4 lbs vs. Damian Sosa 153.6 lbs
(Zayas’ NABF and NABO Junior Middleweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

• Bruce Carrington 125.8 lbs vs. Sulaiman Segawa 123.8 lbs
(Carrington’s NABF and WBO Intercontinental and Segawa’s WBC Silver Featherweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

• Vito Mielnicki Jr. 153.8 lbs vs. Khalil El Harraz 152.4 lbs
  (Junior Middleweight — 10 Rounds)
• Floyd Diaz 117.8 lbs vs. Mario Hernandez 117.2 lbs
  (Bantamweight— 8 Rounds)
• Elvis Rodriguez 142.8 lbs vs. Kendo Castañeda 142 lbs
  (Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
• Tiger Johnson 140.8 lbs vs. Yomar Alamo 140.2 lbs
  (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)
• Rohan Polanco 143.4 lbs vs. Marcelino Lopez 143 lbs
  (Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Ryan vs. Mayer will be presented live this Friday, September 27, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York.

In the main event, Sandy Ryan will defend her WBO welterweight world title against Mikaela Mayer.

Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) from Derby, England, turned pro in 2021 after a successful amateur career, winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2014 World Championships. She avenged her sole defeat with a unanimous decision over Erica Farias in 2022 and won the vacant WBO title in April 2023 against Marie-Pier Houle. Following a controversial draw with Jessica McCaskill, she notched a signature victory with a fourth-round knockout of former two-division world champion Terri Harper.

Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian and former unified junior lightweight world champion, returns to the U.S. after a four-fight run in England. After a pair of wins in 2023, she lost a controversial split decision to IBF welterweight champion Natasha Jonas in January. While a rematch with Jonas didn’t happen, Mayer once again aims to become a two-weight world champion.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature Xander Zayas collides with Damian Sosa.

Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) a five-year pro, has won two regional titles and emerged as a major attraction in New York City, boasting a perfect 5-0 record at Madison Square Garden. His main event debut in June was a triumphant one, as he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 rounds.

Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, is on a three-fight winning streak and has an impressive 3-0 record in the U.S.

He won a clear points verdict over Clay Collard in 2021, prevailed via a 10-round decision over former Zayas foe Ronald Cruz the following year, and most recently shocked undefeated prospect Marques Valle by a split decision in April.

In the 10-round special feature featherweight battle, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington takes on Sulaiman Segawa.

Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) is undefeated at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, with all five of his wins there coming by knockout, including a stunning fourth-round finish of Bernard Torres in February and an eighth-round TKO over Brayan De Gracia in June. Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs), a native of Uganda now based in Maryland, has faced tough competition throughout his 11-year career, with all his losses against then-unbeaten fighters, including a close decision to Abraham Nova in 2018.

Undercard bouts begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/ 3:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

Calling the action will be Bernardo Osuna, Timothy Bradley, Jr., and Mark Kriegel.

ESPN.com

Out Thursday: Ranking the Current 5 Best Young Fighters in Boxing – With Shu Shu Carrington, Xander Zayas, Vito Mielnicki, Elvis Rodriguez, Tiger Johnson, and Floyd Diaz fighting on Sept. 27, Timothy Bradley Jr. ranks the top young fighters to watch in boxing.

New! ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” premieres October 7, chronicling a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

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Ryan vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

NEW YORK CITY (Aug. 19, 2024) — The Garden State’s rising junior middleweight is ready to make some magic in his MSG debut.

Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. will return against once-beaten Romanian Daniel Buciuc in a 10-round battle on Friday, Sept. 27, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Mielnicki-Buciuc joins a stacked ESPN+-streamed undercard headlined by the WBO welterweight title clash between reigning champ Sandy Ryan and former unified junior lightweight queen Mikaela Mayer.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican contender Xander Zayas will take on Mexican contender Damian Sosa, and Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder versus Sulaiman Segawa.

Ryan-Mayer, Zayas-Sosa, and Carrington-Segawa will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

Mielnicki (19-1, 13 KOs), a four-time Junior National Golden Gloves champion, turned pro in July 2019 at just 17 years old, debuting on a Top Rank on ESPN card in Newark, New Jersey. That night, he registered a first-round knockout and went 5-0 before graduating high school in 2020. Despite a majority decision defeat to James Martin in his ninth fight, Mielnicki rebounded impressively, winning 10 consecutive bouts and claiming three regional titles. Now training in Houston with Ronnie Shields, Mielnicki began his 2024 campaign with a unanimous decision over Ronald Cruz in May before signing with Top Rank in June. In his last outing, he stopped Laszlo Toth in two rounds, with the fight officially ending via disqualification after Toth’s corner entered the ring following a knockdown. Buciuc (13-1, 5 KOs) has won a pair of bouts since losing to Ermal Hadribeaj by decision in a bid for the WBC International junior middleweight title.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will also feature the return of U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson, who will step up in class to face Puerto Rico’s Yomar Alamo in an eight-round junior welterweight clash. 

Johnson (13-0, 6 KOs) has made two appearances at The Theater this year, stopping Paulo Galdino in one in February before besting Tarik Zaina by decision in June. Alamo (22-2-1, 13 KOs) dropped eventual world champion Liam Paro in the first round before losing a split decision in December 2021. After a TKO loss to top contender Richardson Hitchins in November 2022, Alamo came back this year with victories over Adriano Porfirio Ramirez in February and Jayson Velez in July.

Two of the Dominican Republic’s top junior welterweight contenders will also see action in separate 10-rounders. 

Rohan Polanco (13-0, 8 KOs), a Tokyo Olympian, will square off against Argentina’s Marcelino Lopez (37-4-1, 22 KOs). Polanco went 3-0 in 2023 after signing with Top Rank. He handed Zaina his first pro loss in March before a second-round stoppage of Luis Hernandez in June. Lopez enjoyed a five-fight knockout streak from 2017 to 2021, including a second-round stoppage against former interim junior welterweight champion Pablo Cesar Cano. He returned in 2023 with decision losses to Orestes Velazquez in March and Zaina in November.

Freddie Roach-trained puncher Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez (16-1-1,13 KOs) will lock horns with Mexican American veteran Kendo Castañeda (21-6, 9 KOs). Rodriguez is on an impressive five-fight winning streak, including a decision over Joseph Adorno and a seventh-round TKO of former world champion Viktor Postol. Castañeda has faced the likes of Jose Zepeda, Josue Vargas, and Raul Curiel in a pro career spanning nearly 12 years.

Bantamweight prospect Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (12-0, 3 KOs) will take on Mario Hernandez (12-4-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Diaz tallied points verdicts over Edwin Rodriguez in March and Francisco Pedroza in June. 

Top heavyweight prospect Ali Feliz (3-0, 2 KOs), from Danbury, Connecticut, will fight Rashad Coulter (5-4, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder.

NEW YORK CITY (Aug. 5, 2024) — If a trainer is like family, Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer will soon play boxing’s version of “Family Feud.”

Ryan will defend her WBO welterweight world title against Mayer on Friday, Sept. 27, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. And she will do so with a former Mayer confidant in her corner. Kay Koroma, who helped train Mayer from Olympic standout to professional world champion, will help train Ryan for this career-defining main event.

Two of boxing’s emerging uber-talents, Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas and Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, will see action in separate 10-round televised features. Zayas will face Mexican contender Damian Sosa, while Carrington looks to turn away the upset-minded Sulaiman Segawa.

Ryan-Mayer, Zayas-Sosa, and Carrington-Segawa will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, ticket information will be released shortly.

“Mikaela Mayer always wants to fight the best, and Sandy Ryan is an elite welterweight. These are the two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and the winner will stake her claim as the preeminent 147-pounder,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Bruce Carrington and Xander Zayas are future superstars, and I look forward to seeing how they fare against the toughest opponents of their respective careers.”

Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, jumped out to a 17-0 record to begin her pro career while winning a pair of junior lightweight world titles and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. The Los Angeles native returns to America after a four-fight run in England that included a debated 2022 split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in a bid for the undisputed junior lightweight title. Mayer won a pair of decisions in 2023 as she moved up in weight to prepare for a welterweight world title opportunity. In January, she lost a highly disputed split decision to IBF champion Natasha Jonas. While a Jonas rematch did not materialize, Mayer has another chance to become a two-weight world champion.

“After months of negotiations in every direction, I am thrilled that my team has pulled through for me and gotten me this fight. As several dates fell through in the UK, the last thing I expected was for my manager to call with an offer that ticked every box,” Mayer said. “My team not only secured me another title fight against the opponent I asked for, but I’m coming back to the U.S. with my Top Rank and ESPN family. I loved fighting in the UK over the past two years, but I have genuinely missed fighting in America. I’m ready to take Sandy Ryan’s WBO belt. AND NEW!”

Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs), from Derby, England, turned pro in 2021 after an accomplished amateur career that included a 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal and a 2014 World Championships silver medal. Her lone defeat — a March 2022 split decision to Erica Farias — was avenged less than five months later with a unanimous decision triumph. Ryan picked up the vacant WBO title in April 2023 with a unanimous decision over Marie-Pier Houle. Following a highly controversial draw against Jessica McCaskill in a title unification tilt, Ryan notched her signature victory in March with a devastating fourth-round knockout over former two-division world champion Terri Harper.

Ryan said, “I’m excited to be returning to America and particularly fighting at MSG. It’s the Mecca of Boxing and a venue that every champion dreams of competing in. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity, and I want to thank Matchroom and Top Rank for coming together to make the fight. It’s the perfect moment in my career, and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my world title. I can promise that on a level playing field, nobody is taking this belt from me.
 
“Mayer has had an awful lot to say about me and this fight, and I’m sure she will continue to do so, but I’m an athlete and a professional. I will let my boxing do my talking, and I will shine in that ring on September 27. Bring it on!”

Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) has been ticketed for stardom since signing with Top Rank as a 16-year-old prodigy in 2019. The five-year pro has lived up to the billing thus far, as he’s captured a pair of regional titles while becoming a major New York City attraction. Zayas is 5-0 at Madison Square Garden, including his main event debut in June, which saw him beat former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 one-sided rounds. Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs), from Tijuana, Mexico, has won three in a row and is 3-0 when fighting on American soil. He won a clear points verdict over Clay Collard in 2021, prevailed via a 10-round decision over former Zayas foe Ronald Cruz the following year, and most recently shocked undefeated prospect Marques Valle by a split decision in April.

Zayas said, “In my last fight, I dominated a former world champion from start to finish, and now I’m ready to put on an even better performance for my people in New York on September 27. I’m motivated by the challenge of facing a Mexican warrior and excited to return to Madison Square Garden after all the love and great energy I received during Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend.”

Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) is 5-0 with five knockouts at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. He saved some of his most highlight-worthy KOs for the hometown fans, including February’s fourth-round demolition of Bernard Torres. He made it five for five at The Theater in June with an eighth-round TKO over Brayan De Gracia. Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs), a native of Uganda who resides in Maryland, is an 11-year pro. His defeats have all come against then-unbeaten opposition, including a competitive 2018 decision to Abraham Nova. Segawa authored a career-defining victory in July, stunning WBC. No. 1 featherweight contender and former world title challenger Ruben Villa by unanimous decision over 10 rounds.

Carrington said, “I’m ready for all the champions in my division. Segawa is a speed bump, and he’s about to get run over in my hometown. The Shu Shu Era is just getting started.”

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 24, 2024) – A huge television audience tuned in to watch Natasha Jonas defend her IBF World Welterweight Title against Mikaela Mayer on Saturday, January 20th live on Sky Sports.

It was described as the ‘Hagler vs Hearns’ of women’s boxing in the build-up and did not fail to deliver as Jonas edged a split decision victory (96-94, 93-97, 96-95) to retain her IBF World Title in an epic back-and-forth battle against the former IBF and WBO World Super Featherweight Champion Mayer.

The incredible contest, which has already been lauded as one of the greatest fights in women’s boxing history and has left many fans calling for a rematch, attracted a peak audience of 269,000 and an average audience of 149,000, making it one of the most watched women’s boxing events on Sky Sports.

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer put it all on the line to deliver one of the greatest fights I’ve had the privilege of watching from ringside. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric and I am delighted that so many people tuned in live on Sky Sports to witness their epic world title tussle.

“At BOXXER we want to be a force for good for women’s boxing. We will continue to provide a platform and opportunities for female fighters to showcase their skills on the biggest stage. From our record-breaking women’s night in 2022 to last Saturday’s world title fight, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

“The viewing figures speak for themselves. 269,000 viewers tuning in to watch Natasha defend her world title shows there’s a huge demand for women’s boxing and I look forward to many more big fight nights featuring our female stars in the future.”

The BOXXER schedule continues on Saturday, February 3rd when unbeaten world ranked #1 and #2 light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez collide in a WBA World Title Final Eliminator at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

In a war, and early Fight of the Year candidate Natasha Jonas won a 10-round split-decision over former 130-lb champion Mikaela Mayer to defend the IBF welterweight title in 10 exhilarating rounds at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

The bout saw both fighters basically exchange power punches in the center of the ring. Mayer, who fighting in her fourth weight class in as many fights could not miss with a radar right hand. Jonas, who had swelling under her right eye landed hard straight lefts and solid right hooks.

The fight was a thrilling affair that either combatant deserved to win, saw Jonas take two cards 96-95 and 96-94, while Mayer won a card 97-93.

Jonas landed 126 of 312 punches. Mayer was 149 of 493.

Jonas, 146 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2-1. Mayer, 146.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 19-2.

Jonas said, “I had a good start. I landed harder and cleaner shots. I think toward the end she outworked me a little. I’ll give her a couple of the middle rounds. But I came on strong at the end.

“I know she is going to be absolutely devastated with the result because I’ve been there. It feels like the world is over. She is on my top two people that I’ve fought. She is very skilled. Her time will come again. She beat a lot of the champions. Please use that as motivation to become a two-weight world champion.”

Mayer said, “I thought I did enough to win. I would have given her the first round or two. But after that, I feel like I outpunched her. I landed the cleaner shots. At the end of the day, I think that this fight is worth seeing again. Like she said, it was one of the toughest fights she’s had. I didn’t have a rematch clause on my side, but I’m hoping we can get this fight done again.

“It’s definitely disappointing. But what am I going to do? I just hope that Natasha will be the standup champ that she is and give me another shot at the belt. I feel like I deserve it. I think they want to see it. I only believe that rematches should happen if they’re warranted.”

Zak Chelli squeaked by Jack Cullen by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight bout,

In round three, Cullen was cut around his left eye.

Chelli landed 131 of 450 punches. Cullen was 66 of 371.

Chelli, 166.5 lbs of London won by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 115-114 and is now 15-2-1. Cullen, 167.5 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-5-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated by winning an eight-round decision over Lila Dos Santos Furtatdo in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round one, Artingstall dropped Furtatdo with a straight left at the bell.

Artingstall, 124.5 lbs of Marklesfield, ENG won by a 77-75 tally and is now 6-0. Furtatdo, 124 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 9-2.

Stephen Clarke made a successful pro debut by stopping Vasif Mamedov in the third round of their four-round super middleweight fight.

Clarke was never challenged and in round three landed a series of punches that had Mamedov turning his back and referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 1:53.

Clarke, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Mamedov, 166.5 lbs of Southhapmpton, ENG is 3-50-5.

Aaron McKenna remained undefeated with a sixth round stoppage over late-replacement Mickey Ellison in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight contest

Mckenna dominated te action and began to batter Ellison until referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 2:21

McKenna, 168 lbs of Los Angeles via Ireland is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Ellison, 171 lbs of England is 15-7.

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 19, 2024) – Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer both made weight today ahead of their IBF World Welterweight Title showdown tomorrow night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Two-weight world champion Jonas makes the first defence of the IBF belt she captured last year, having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles, while Mayer, the former IBF and WBO Unified World Super Featherweight Champion, looks to reclaim world honours as she moves up to challenge for Jonas’ welterweight crown.

Official weights from Liverpool:

10×2 mins – IBF World Welterweight Championship

Natasha Jonas – 10st 6lbs

Mikaela Mayer – 10st 6lbs 5oz

12×3 mins – British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship

Jack Cullen – 11st 13lbs 5oz

Zak Chelli – 11st 12lbs 5oz

8×2 mins – Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall – 8st 12lbs 5oz

Lila Dos Santos Furtado – 8st 12lbs

8×3 mins – Super Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna – 12st

Micky Ellison – 12st 3lbs

10×3 mins – English & Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Championship

Mark Jeffers – 11st 13lbs

Germaine Brown – 11st 13lbs

6×3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

Jack Massey – 14st 8lbs

Steve Eloundou Ntere – 14st 5lbs

4×3 mins – Flyweight Contest

Mikie Tallon – 7st 13lbs

Adamu Yahaya – 8st 1lbs

4×3 mins Super Middleweight Contest

Ste Clarke – 11st 6lbs

Vasif Mamedov – 11st 12lbs 5oz

Watch Jonas vs Mayer live on Sky Sports Arena at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm with undercard fights available to watch live on Sky Sports Boxing’s YouTube channel from 5pm.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, England (Jan. 18, 2024) —Two-division world champion Natasha Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs)this Saturday, Jan. 20 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the co-feature, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) will put his British and Commonwealth titles on the line against Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round rematch of their all-action 2020 slugfest that ended in a draw.

Jonas-Mayer and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters had to say.

Natasha Jonas

“This is a big statement. We’ve seen so many times that the best don’t fight the best for whatever reason. But I believe that for me to classify myself as one of the best of this era, I have to fight the best. I look at some of the boxers on list, the Katie Taylors and Chantelle Camerons, and they’ve beaten people in the top 10 pound-for-pound list. For me to be able to solidify a legacy for myself, I believe I have to do the same, and Mikaela is on that list.”

“Doors shut quickly in boxing when the results don’t go your way. And we’ve both experienced that now. And none of us want that to happen again. So, to keep those doors open, to keep those opportunities open, and to keep those bigger dreams beyond this alive, I’ve got to focus on what happens on Saturday and make that dream come true.”

“It’s going to be a good fight. We’ve both got the I.Q. and the ability to box. We’ve both got the skill and the strength to fight if we need to. That being said, I think our styles will make a great fight. I’m not going to be a reactive fighter and wait to see what she pulls out the bag. I’m going to be putting on my best foot forward and making her worry about me from the get-go.”

Mikaela Mayer

“It’s not just about the belt. It’s not just about becoming a world champion again. It’s about challenging myself against the best, having those names on my resume and knowing that I did my absolute best to challenge myself against the other great girls in the sport so that I can truly say I’m a top pound-for-pound fighter of this era. That’s important for my legacy and for my fans because I know that these are the types of fights that they want to see.”

“Natasha has a ton of experience. She has that amateur pedigree. She’s gone up against plenty of different styles. And she’s had to learn how to adjust to those styles. Same with me. That’s why having that pedigree is such an advantage. We both have that.”

“It’s going to be a really strategic fight because she’s a southpaw and I’m orthodox. Obviously, I have a technician in my corner who is big on strategy and big on technique and he has a game plan specifically for that, which I absolutely have to follow if I don’t want to get in trouble after the fight.”

Saturday, January 20

ESPN+ (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)
 

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer, 10 rounds, Jonas’ IBF Welterweight World Title 

Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli, 12 rounds, Cullen’s British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles

Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia, 10 rounds, middleweight

Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila dos Santos Furtado, 8 rounds, featherweight

Jan 17, 2024

Top Rank Presents IBF World Welterweight Championship:

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer

Saturday, January 20, 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT

Live and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

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To Subscribe Visit ESPNPlus.com/Top Rank

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Jonas vs. Mayer will be presented live on Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the main event, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer.

Having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF junior middleweight world titles, Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making the first defense of her welterweight crown, which she claimed after scoring an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt last year.

Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and former IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion, moves up in weight once again as she attempts to become a two-division world champ.

In other streaming action on ESPN+, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) returns to defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against former foe Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs).

Calling the Action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Bernardo Osuna.

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Jonas vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

Date
Time
Event
Fights
Title
Platform
Sat., Jan 20
2:00 p.m.
Main
Natasha Jonas (C) vs. Mikaela Mayer
IBF Welterweight

ESPN+

Co-Feature
Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli

Undercard
Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila Dos Santos Furtado
Undercard
Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia
About ESPN

About ESPN+

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 8, 2023) – Aaron McKenna versus Linus Udofia is the latest mouth-watering contest confirmed for an action-packed fight card on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA. 

The middleweight rivals meet in a special bet365 Wildcard contest for McKenna’s WBC International Title on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ IBF World Welterweight Title defence against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer. 

McKenna claimed the WBC International strap with a unanimous points victory over Uisma Lima on June 16th at London’s York Hall. Now 17-0, the 24-year-old is considered one of the division’s most exciting young talents. To continue his upward career trajectory, the ‘Silencer’ must now overcome his toughest test as he takes on former English Champion and British Title challenger Udofia.

With victories over Tyler Denny and John Harding Jr, and a hard-fought split decision loss to Denzel Bentley for the British Middleweight Title, Udofia has established himself as one of the fighters at the top of a stacked domestic division. The 30-year-old from Luton returns to title action following a defeat to Kieron Conway for the WBA Intercontinental Title knowing a victory over the undefeated McKenna can reignite his career and set the stage for a successful 2024. 

“A huge night of boxing in Liverpool just got even bigger,” said BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom. “McKenna vs Udofia is an excellent addition to an already stacked card. It’s a fascinating contest. McKenna has answered every question asked of him so far in his undefeated career. Udofia has tasted defeat but operated at a higher level and will look to use that experience to his advantage in what promises to be a real pick ‘em fight.”

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth Titles and will square off against former English Champion Chelli in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Karriss Artingstall is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The 2020 Olympic medallist takes on Lila dos Santos Furtado as she looks to continue her climb up the featherweight ranks. 

Mark Jeffers defends his English and Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Titles against Germaine Brown. Jeffers claimed the English and Commonwealth Silver Titles with points win over Zak Chelli after accepting a short notice fight last year. The undefeated Chorley boxer makes his first defence against Brown, who will be aiming to recapture the English Title he held in 2022.

Former IBO World Cruiserweight Champion Jack Massey, who took Joseph Parker the distance in a ten-round heavyweight contest in Manchester last year, returns to the ring and the 200lbs limit as he looks to start the New Year with a victory in Liverpool. 

The event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 30, 2023) – Karriss Artingstall will face Lila dos Santos Furtado on the undercard of the IBF World Welterweight Title clash between Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer on January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on ESPN+ in the USA.

Artingstall (5-0, 1 KO) is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The former WBA World Super Featherweight Title challenger had never been stopped before sharing a ring with Artingstall, who made light work of the Canadian, who had previously gone the distance with Alycia Baumgardner and Hyun Mi Choi.

“Of course, I was happy with my performance. I did something no one else managed to do,” said Artingstall. “I always come to hurt my opponents, to get the win is the most important thing, but to hurt my opponent and to make them quit, there’s no better feeling.”

The 2020 Olympic bronze medallist will be aiming to continue the successful start to her professional career by securing a statement win against the Brazilian dos Santos Furtado (9-1, 1 KO), who returns to the UK following a WBC International Title fight with Raven Chapman earlier this year.

“I think I’ve had a good start to my journey as a professional fighter,” said Artingstall. “I mean, it could be better as I’d like a belt to my name which is definitely the focus for 2024. Next year, I’d like to cement my place at the top of the division and challenge for those world titles.”

Amanda Serrano currently holds all the belts at 126 lbs, and while Artingstall is focused on working her way into title contention, the 29-year-old has also been linked to fights with domestic rival Raven Chapman and Australia’s Skye Nicolson, who Artingstall beat in the 2020 Olympic quarterfinals to claim bronze.

“I’ve mentioned previously who I’d like to fight as I believe it would be great for the fans,” said the 29-year-old southpaw. “But for now, I’m just interested in fighting whoever is going to improve my world ranking.”

Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas defends her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Fans can also look forward to the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title showdown between Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli, who meet in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

The event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 14, 2023) – Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. 

Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making a first defence of the IBF crown she claimed with an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt earlier this year,  having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles. 

Standing in the opposite corner will be U.S. star Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and the former IBF and WBO World Super Featherweight Champion. The Los Angeles native was one of the stars of BOXXER’s historic women’s night last year, and after capturing the WBC interim World Lightweight Title earlier this year, Mayer will be moving up in weight once again.

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen also returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth titles. ‘Little Leaver’s Meat Cleaver’ will now square off against former English Champion Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Natasha Jonas said: “I’m so excited to be fighting back in Liverpool in my first headline show and in the biggest fight of my career so far. It’s my fifth world title fight with BOXXER, in my backyard and I’m ready for it. It’s Mikaela Mayer, she stretches above and beyond the UK shores. ‘Miss GB’ versus ‘Miss USA’ and may the best woman win!”  

Mikaela Mayer said, “These are the types of matchups boxing needs. I am feeling better than ever at my new weight and confident that 2024 is when I take it all back.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “2024 promises to be a monumental year for BOXXER and Sky Sports, and we’re thrilled to kick things off with another massive night for women’s boxing as Natasha Jonas defends her World Title against Mikaela Mayer in a matchup set to showcase the pinnacle of the sport. Natasha and Mikaela are two fantastic athletes – both former Olympians and world champions – from either side of the Atlantic, ready to put it all on the line to secure their legacy.” 

“Mikaela Mayer is beloved in the UK, and we are thrilled that she will get an opportunity to become a two-weight champion against a sensational fighter in Natasha Jonas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “These are two of the best pound-for-pound females in boxing and a great fight to kick off the 2024 schedule.”

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Sign up for tickets alerts for Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer via BOXXER.com 

Chris Eubank Jr. showed tremendous resolve in stopping Liam Smith in round 10 of their 12-round middleweight bout in Manchester, England.

Eubank dominated from the second round on as he boxed very well with his jab and landing solid combinations behind it.

In round four, Eubank dropped Smith with an uppercut.

In round 10, Smith began to bleed from his right eye. Eubank jumped on Smith and hit with a barrage of punches that made Smith crumble to the canvas in the corner. Later in the round, Eubank landed another seven unanswered shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 1:45.

Eubank, 159.4 lbs of Bolton, England is now 33-3 with 24 knockouts. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool is 33-4-1.

This was a rematch of a January 21st fight that saw Smith stop Eubank in four-rounds.

Chris Eubank Jr said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Liam is a warrior. I respect him, his team, his family and his brothers. They always come out and put it all on the line. He fought until the last second, so big up to Liam and his team. 

“I’m not going to lie, what happened tonight was supposed to happen in January. Like I said, it wasn’t my night. I trained hard for that fight, I trained hard for this fight. The focus is always there. I dedicate my life to this sport. Now we’re onto bigger and better fights. There’s some big names out there.”

Liam Smith said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Everything from start to finish. I was flat. I think the weight killed me. I was flat and Chris was sharp. Chris was the better man tonight.”

Adam Azim won a 10-round unanimous decision over Aram fanyan in a junior middleweight bout.

Azim, 139.4 lbs iwon by scoresof 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. Fanyan of Ukraine is 23-2.

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round six over David Allen in a 10-round heavyweight bout,

In round five, Clarke was cut around the right eye.

In round six, Clarke lost a point for a low blow. With Clarke dominating the action, Allen’s corner stopped the bout after the sixth frame.

Clarke, 270 lbs is 8-0 with six knockouts. Allen, 257 lbs is 21-6-2.

Jack Cullen stopped Mark Heffron in round three of their 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Cullen landed a right hand that was followed by a left hook right on the chin that put Heffron on the canvas. Heffron got to his feet but plummeted to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Cullen, 167 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-4-1 with 10 knockouts. Heffron, 167 lbs of Manchester falls to 29-3-1.

Former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer won a 10-round decision over Sylvia Bortat in a junior welterweight bout.

Mayer, 141.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by a 100-90 score and is now 19-1. Bortat, 139 lbs of Italy is 11-3-1.

Florian Marku obliterated Dylan Moran in the opening round of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Marku hurt Moran with a left hand that knocked him backwards. Marku unloaed with a series of hard punches that forced a referee stoppage at 54 seconds.

Marku, 146.4 lbs is now 13-0-1 with eight knockouts. Moran, 145 lbs of Ireland is 18-2.

(Aug. 21, 2023) — Former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer returns in a 10-round junior welterweight battle against Italian contender Silvia Bortot on Saturday, Sept. 2 at AO Arena in Manchester, England.
 
Mayer-Bortot will take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated middleweight rematch between bitter rivals Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr.
 
Promoted by BOXXER, Smith-Eubank II, Mayer-Bortot and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Sky Sports Box Office will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.
 
Mayer (18-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight world title by defeating Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche. In October 2022, she suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in an undisputed world title showdown at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer then moved up to lightweight and scored a unanimous decision win over Lucy Wildheart in April. She now prepares to make her third consecutive appearance in London.

Mayer said, “It’s my sixth year as a pro, but I’ve never felt better. My run at 130 was a ton of fun and something I’m proud of, but it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time to combine my experience with my size and see what I can accomplish. This fight is at 142 pounds, but 147 is the next hot division in women’s boxing, and that’s where I’m headed.”
 
Bortot (11-2-1, 3 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2016 and captured the European junior welterweight title in 2019 with a fourth-round TKO win over Marie Helene Meron. She suffered her first loss via ninth-round TKO in April 2022 but bounced back that year with three victories. In her last outing, she lost to undefeated standout Flora Pili via 10-round decision in May.
 
Smith (33-3-1, 20 KOs) captured the WBO junior middleweight title with a seventh-round TKO win over Apollo Thompson in 2015. He defended the title twice before losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2016. Smith remained a division mainstay during the following five years, earning wins over the likes of Liam Williams, Anthony Fowler and Jessie Vargas. In September 2022, he made his middleweight debut with a stoppage win over Hassan Mwakinyo before upsetting Eubank via fourth-round TKO in their first encounter.
 
Eubank (32-3, 23 KOs) began his pro career in 2011 and went 18-0 before losing to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014. In 2017, he moved up to super middleweight and beat former two-division world champion Arthur Abraham and then-unbeaten contender Avni Yildirim. In his first world title shot, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to George Groves in February 2018. Eubank returned with wins against JJ McDonagh and former world champion James DeGale before returning to middleweight, where he was 4-0 before the first Smith showdown.
 
In other streaming action from Manchester:

• Junior welterweight standout Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ukraine’s Aram Fanyan (23-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round clash.
   
• Unbeaten heavyweight Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs), a British Olympic bronze medalist, will lock horns with David Allen (21-5-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against former English middleweight champion Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO) in a 12-rounder.
   
• Unbeaten Albanian southpaw Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Ireland’s Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight tilt. 

Zhielei Zhang won the WBO Interim Heavyweight title with a sixth round stoppage over previously undefeated Joe Joyce at The Copper Box Arena in London.

Zhang landed some heavy blows in rounds one and two. In round two, Zhang landed a hard straight left that buckled Joyce and bloodied his nose. In round three, the right eye of Joyce began to shut. By round five, the eye was shut. In round five, Zhang began to bleed from the nose. Zhang continued to land hard shots that worsened to the point that made the referee at 1:34 of round six.

Zhang, 278 lbs of China is 25-1-1 with 20 knockouts. Joyce, 256 lbs of London is 14-1.

Zhang said, “Today belongs to me. It belongs to everyone who showed up. It belongs to every Chinese person who showed up today.

“I’m 39 years old. But I’m disciplined. I train hard. The next step is for me to fight for a world title.”

Joyce said, “I’m just disappointed with my performance. The [left] hand kept hitting me, and I couldn’t get out of the way. So, respect to Zhilei Zhang. It was a good fight, but I think I could have done better.

“I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long. Credit to him because he’s a good fighter. I gave it my all, and I think I can do better. It’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do.”

Mikaela Mayer moved up in weight and took a 10-round unanimous decision over very last minute replacement Lucy Wildheart to win the WBC Interim Lightweight Title.

In the final round, Wildheart was bleeding from her nose.

Mayer landed 296 of 592 punches. Wildheart was 131 of 462.

Mayer, 134.5 lbs of Colorado Springs, CO won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 98-91 and is now 18-1. Wildheart, 134 lbs of Brentoowd, ENG took the fight 24 hours ago after Christina Linatradou had a medical issue. Wildheart is 10-2

Mayer said, “She stepped in at the last minute, so that was really gutsy of her. It’s definitely a big fight for her to just jump in at 24 hours’ notice. But she was tough and durable. I see why she had the confidence to do that, so props to her.
 
“I like to fight on the inside, so once I knew that she couldn’t outbox me, I decided to take it to her a little bit and try to break her down to the body.
 
“I do believe that Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are supposed to go for their rematch, so assuming that still happens, I will challenge the winner of that. So, it’s definitely really exciting for me. This is where I belong. I belong in big fights. I belong in world title fights. I’m in my prime. I feel great, and I want the toughest challenges possible, and right now at 135, that’s Katie Taylor.”

Moses Itauma went the distance for the first time in his life won a six-round decision over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko .

The score was60-5 for Itauma, 247 lbs of Chatham, ENG is 3-0. Dovbyschenko of Ukraine is 9-13-1.

Heavy-handed Sam Noakes remained completely perfect by stopping Karthik Shartish Kumar 12-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Noakes dropped Kumar with a flush right to the head, Noakes continued with hard shots, and another right made Kumar’s glove touch the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Noakes, 134 1/2 lbs of Kent, ENG is 11-0 with 11 knockouts. Kumar, 134 1/2 lbs of India is 10-1.

LONDON (April 14, 2023) ­– Former unified junior lightweight world champion 

Mikaela Mayer has a new opponent for her lightweight debut. Mayer will battle Swedish contender 

Lucy Wildheart in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim world title tomorrow at London’s Copper Box Arena after her original opponent, Christina Linardatou, was forced to withdraw after not meeting British Boxing Board of Control requirements. Mayer-Wildheart will be the co-feature to the heavyweight main event between WBO interim champion 

Joe Joyce and 

Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang. 

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang, Mayer-Wildheart and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
 Wildheart (10-1, 4 KOs), a 30-year-old boxer-puncher, enters this late-notice assignment riding a five-bout winning streak since a 10-round decision defeat to French standout Estelle Mossely. In 2021, she knocked out former Mayer foe Edina Kiss in the third round. Wildheart went 2-0 in 2022, winning a pair of six-round decisions on British soil.

# # #

 
About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). 

 •  Joe Joyce 256 lbs. vs. Zhilei Zhang 278 lbs
(Joyce’s WBO Interim Heavyweight Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Mikaela Mayer 134.5 lbs vs. Lucy WIldheart 134.4 lbs
(Vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)

* Wildheart stepped in after Mayer’s original opponent, Christina Linardatou, was forced to withdraw after not meeting British Boxing Board of Control requirements

•  Moses Itauma 247 lbs vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko241 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Sam Noakes 134.5 lbs vs. Karthik Sathish Kumar 134 lbs
 (Lightweight— 12 Rounds)

# # #

About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). 

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Joyce vs. Zhang and Mayer vs. Linardatou will be live this Saturday, April 15 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 noon PT exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at Copper Box Arena, London, U.K.

The main event features a WBO interim heavyweight title clash between knockout artist Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) and Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang (24-1-1, 19 KOs).

British-born Joyce, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, is unbeaten and has held various titles at the regional level. In his last fight, he captured the interim WBO title with an 11^th-round knockout over former title challenger Joseph Parker.

Zhang, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist, turned pro in 2014 and knocked out Curtis Tate in the first 17 seconds of round one. He maintained a winning streak until a draw in 2021 against Jerry Forrest. He went on to win two more fights before his first and only defeat in 2022 against undefeated Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovi?.

In the highly anticipated co-feature, Mikaela Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) makes her lightweight debut against former two-time junior welterweight champion Christina Linardatou in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim lightweight championship.

Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed fight against Maiva Hamadouche. In her last fight, Mayer suffered the first defeat of her career, a razor-thin split decision setback to Alycia Baumgardner at London’s O2 Arena. 

Linardatou began her pro career with a first-round technical knockout over Claribel Ferreras. She remained undefeated until unsuccessfully challenging Delfine Persoon for the WBC lightweight world title in 2016. She bounced back with four more wins and captured the vacant WBO junior welterweight championship before losing her 140-pound belt to Katie Taylor in 2019. In 2020, Linardatou regained that title with a unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot. Last July after a 29-month layoff, she returned to boxing with a six-round decision over Aleksandra Vujovic.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr with Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna as reporters.

ESPN.com

How Mikaela Mayer is rebuilding her career by taking bigger challenges

Ahead of Mikaela Mayer’s return, Michael Rothstein talks to the former champion about what happened after her loss to Alycia Baumgardner and how she plans to get back to the top.

Out Thursday:

Meet Christina Linardatou ahead of her fight against Mikaela Mayer

Michael Rothstein talks with Christina Linardatou about her pregnancy, her return, and he also speaks to the WBO to find why she was stripped of her title.

Out Friday:

Meet Joe Joyce, the heavyweight interim champ that could be in line for a title shot if he wins on Saturday

Joe Joyce is on the brink of landing a world heavyweight title shot and his story is one you will hear more about over the next two years.

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