NEW YORK, NY – July 28, 2026 — Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of Australia’s two division champion, reigning WBC super bantamweight world champion at 122lbs, and 2020 Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson (16-1, 3 KOs) as Nicolson becomes the first fighter to compete under the newly announced strategic alliance from MVP and Matchroom Boxing, focused on accelerating the continued global growth of women’s boxing. Under the alliance, Matchroom will work with MVP to continue elevating Nicolson throughout the next phases of her professional career.

Nicolson will make her MVP event debut on MVPW-06 at bp pulse LIVE on Saturday, August 29 in Birmingham, England. She will defend her WBC super bantamweight world title in a 10-round defense at 122lbs against Japan’s two-division champion Miyo Yoshida (19-5, 1 KOs), airing live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. The announcement was made during the MVPW-06 UK vs USA: Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron kickoff press conference today at Glaziers Hall in London, England, as Skye Nicolson joined MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian onstage in a surprise appearance. 

Nicolson joins MVP’s global roster of elite athletes while also becoming the first athlete to compete as part of MVP’s and Matchroom’s landmark strategic alliance. Nicolson joins a decorated roster of fellow Australian signees at MVP including Australia’s first-ever undisputed champion in the four belt era, male or female, Cherneka Johnson, unified unified IBF and WBO middleweight world champion Desley Robinson, and former IBF bantamweight world champion Ebanie Bridges. 

Skye Nicolson was born and raised in Queensland, Australia to an English mother and Scottish father. She began boxing at age 12, following in the footsteps of her late brother. Her stellar amateur career saw over 150 fights around the world including a Commonwealth Games gold medal, bronze at the amateur world championships, and representing Team Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where she finished as a quarter-finalist. Off the back of the Olympics, she signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom and began a very active professional career that skyrocketed her to her first world title in just her 10th professional fight, defeating Sarah Mahfoud for the WBC featherweight title in 2024. Now 16-1 as a professional, Nicolson most recently rose to Interim champion and mandatory challenger for the WBC 122lbs title. Shortly after, the belt was vacated by former undisputed champion Ellie Scotney, and Nicolson was elevated to become a two-time, two-division WBC world champion in May 2026. Entering this next chapter under the MVP and Matchroom strategic alliance, the 30-year-old prepares to unify the super bantamweight division and aims to be part of the biggest fights in women’s boxing.

“Women’s boxing is entering a new era, and I want to be right at the centre of it. This partnership with MVP and Matchroom gives me the opportunity to chase legacy, compete in the biggest fights out there, and help continue pushing women’s boxing forward,” said Skye Nicolson. “My goal has always been to test myself against the very best and be involved in the biggest fights in women’s boxing. I truly believe this move puts me in the best possible position to do exactly that. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait for this next chapter of my career to unfold.”

Nicolson also joins MVP’s global roster of Olympic talent at MVP, including US Olympian Mikaela Mayer, Team Great Britain Olympian Caroline Dubois, 2x Canadian Olympian Tamm Thibeault, US Olympic bronze medalist Oshae Jones, US Olympian Jahmal Harvey, 2x Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley, and Germany’s Olympic bronze medalist Nelvie Tiafack.

“Skye is one of the most recognizable athletes in women’s boxing today,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “As a two-division world champion, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Olympian, and one of Australia’s biggest stars, she represents the caliber of athlete we’re building MVP around. Since launching MVPW, our mission has been to create the premier global platform for women’s boxing by bringing together the sport’s biggest champions and delivering the biggest fights. Skye shares that vision and ambition, and together we’re excited to help create the defining moments of the next chapter of her career, beginning with her world title defense against another outstanding former champion in Miyo Yoshida on Saturday, August 29.”

Miyo Yoshida is a three-time, two-division world champion from Kagoshima, Japan. A former IBF bantamweight world champion and two-time WBO junior bantamweight world champion, Yoshida has established herself as one of Japan’s most accomplished female fighters. She made history as one of only a handful of Japanese women to win world titles in multiple weight classes and has earned recognition for her technical skill, resilience, and championship pedigree. Known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, Yoshida is a former The Ring Most Inspirational Female Fighter award recipient and a revered role model both inside and outside the ring. After relocating to the United States, she now trains at the legendary Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York. Yoshida most recently earned a victory over Edith de Jesus Flores in April 2026, following a unanimous decision win over Beata Dudek in February 2025. She captured the IBF bantamweight world title with a dominant unanimous decision over Ebanie Bridges in December 2023 after accepting the fight on less than two weeks’ notice.

“Many people see Skye Nicolson as the favorite and I understand why as she is an excellent fighter,” said Miyo Yoshida. “But I have dedicated my life to boxing and I am prepared to give everything for this opportunity. I promise the fans will see a fearless Miyo Yoshida. I will bring the heart of Japan, my experience as a three-time World Champion and everything I have into this fight. On fight night, I believe the world will see me crowned as the new WBC Super Bantamweight Champion.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @skyebnic, or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @skyebnic.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes over 60 fighters, 18 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

NEW YORK, NY – June 10, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced MVPW-06 UK vs. USA, headlined by  USA’s unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs) vs. the UK’s WBO super welterweight world champion Chantelle Cameron (22-1, 8 KOs). The 10-round title unification bout will be contested with two-minute rounds at 154lbs and takes place Saturday, August 29, at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England, live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US. The rarely-ever seen pound-for-pound clash sees ESPN’s #7 Mayer vs. ESPN’s #5 Cameron, putting three world titles on the line in both fighters’ first defenses in the division. Cameron won the WBO super welterweight title with a dominant performance in April 2026, a belt Mayer had won then vacated just months prior, and Mayer now looks to reclaim it alongside her WBA and WBC hardware.

MVPW-06 UK vs. USA will feature a main card entirely composed of UK vs. USA bouts. In the co-main event, London, UK’s unified WBC and WBO lightweight world champion Caroline Dubois will face the USA’s WBO #5 contender, two-time national champion, and reigning NABF lightweight champion Amelia Moore (4-0, 1 KO) in a 10-round unified championship defense at 135lbs with two-minute rounds. MVPW is a premium brand showcasing the sport’s most elite fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. Tickets for MVPW-06 UK vs. USA go on sale Friday, June 19 at 10am BST / 5am ET on AXS.com. Fans can sign up for presale HERE. All media looking to be credentialed for MVPW-06 UK vs. USA must apply HERE. MVPW-06 UK vs. USA is a Most Valuable Promotions event in association with VIP Boxing Promotions. 

Reigning unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs Mikaela Mayer, 2016 U.S. Olympian, jumped out to a 17-0 record to begin her pro career while winning a pair of super featherweight world titles and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. Mayer lost her perfect record in a debated 2022 split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in a bid for the undisputed super featherweight title. In January 2024, she contended for the IBF welterweight world title against Natasha Jonas. While a Jonas rematch did not materialize, Mayer seized her second opportunity to become a two-weight world champion in September 2024, when she defeated WBO welterweight world champion Sandy Ryan by majority decision in a Fight of the Year contender. Six months later, Mayer bested Ryan by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, putting an exclamation point on their fierce 20-round rivalry. Mayer conquered a third weight class in October 2025, dominating Canadian star Mary Spencer over 10 rounds in Montreal to capture the WBA, WBC, and WBO junior middleweight titles. Mayer is the #1 ranked super welterweight by ESPN, and is ranked the Ring #3, ESPN #7, and Boxrec #11 pound-for-pound women’s talent globally.

“Chantelle Cameron has always been a name I’ve hoped to add to my resume and a fight I feel the sport of boxing deserves,” said Mikaela Mayer. “With our come forward, aggressive styles, I have no doubt that it will be one of the most exciting fights of our generation. Giving the fans the fights they wanna see is what I do best…so here you go. Again.”

Reigning WBO super welterweight world champion at 154lbs, #5 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, and former undisputed super lightweight champion at 140lbs Chantelle “Il Capo” Cameron (22-1, 8 KOs) is one of the most recognized names in women’s boxing. Cameron made her pro boxing debut in May 2017 and earned her first title honors in December 2017, her fifth pro fight, winning the IBO 135lb lightweight world title by stoppage. In 2020, Cameron moved up to 140lbs to contend for the then-vacant WBC super lightweight world title, defeating Adriana Dos Santos Araujo to become a two-division champion. Cameron unified her titles against Mary McGee in October 2021, earning a UD win to add the IBF and Ring Magazine titles to her WBC hardware. In November 2022, Cameron defeated Jessica McCaskill to become the undisputed super lightweight champion. Cameron’s undisputed reign came to head against Ireland’s Katie Taylor in May 2023, when she successfully defended her undisputed crown. The win set the stage for the pair’s rematch in November 2023, which resulted in a majority decision for Taylor. Cameron returned to the ring in July 2024, defeating Elhem Mekhaled to secure the WBC interim super lightweight title at 140lbs, which she defended twice in November 2024 and on MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 in July 2025. Cameron then stepped up to 154lbs to claim the then-vacant WBO super welterweight world title with a dominant defeat of Michaela Kotaskova in April 2026 on the main card of MVPW-01 in London. Cameron resides in Northampton, England and trains under Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis. She is the #2 ranked super welterweight in the world by ESPN, and is currently the ESPN #5, Ring #5 and Boxrec #10 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world. 

“I am over the moon this fight has been made. I asked MVP for this fight and they have delivered,” said Chantelle Cameron. “I’ve always said I want the biggest fights in women’s boxing, and there isn’t a bigger fight right now than me against Mikaela Mayer. We’re both top-five pound-for-pound fighters, we’re both world champions, and we’re both coming to win. I’ve been vocal about wanting to compete under equal rules and fight three-minute rounds, and that’s still something I strongly believe in. But Mikaela is the unified champion at 154 pounds and has made it clear she wants this fight over two-minute rounds, so I respect that. For me, the most important thing was making the biggest fight possible for the sport and giving the fans the matchup they’ve been asking for. Thanks to my team, MVP, and Sky Sports for this huge opportunity. Saturday, August 29th. Let’s go.”

“MVPW-06 UK vs. USA delivers one of the most important fights that can be made in boxing. A pound-for-pound matchup of this magnitude is nearly impossible to make; two of the world’s top ten fighters meeting in their prime, Saturday, August 29, live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the U.S.,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron have consistently sought out the toughest challenges available, and this fight is no different. Chantelle is one of the GOATs of women’s boxing, bar none. She went to Ireland and defeated Katie Taylor and almost did it a second time. Mikaela is one of the sport’s biggest faces who has delivered big fights and big ratings. This will be a fight of the year contender. The co-main event features the return of Caroline Dubois, defending her unified titles for the first time against top American contender Amelia Moore as we bring MVP back to the UK and deliver the brand to Birmingham. On the heels of MVPW-05: Johnson vs. Thorslund on Saturday, August 8, MVP is putting together a remarkable month for boxing and continuing to deliver the elite matchups fans deserve.”

WBC lightweight world champion “Sweet” Caroline Dubois fights out of London, England. Her amateur career was nothing short of legendary, a dominant run that included winning the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, becoming England’s first World Youth Champion (2018), and capturing four European Youth Championship titles between 2016 and 2019. This amateur dominance earned her the prestigious BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2019. In 2021, she represented Team GB at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals. Dubois made her professional debut in February 2022 and quickly established herself in the lightweight division. In September 2023, she earned her first major professional title, winning the vacant IBO lightweight world title via unanimous decision. Her ascent continued in August 2024, when she defeated Maira Moneo to claim the WBC Interim lightweight title. Following a relinquishment of the title, Dubois was elevated to become the WBC lightweight world champion in December 2024. The 25-year-old southpaw successfully retained her titles in 2025, securing a majority decision win against Bo Mi Re Shin in March 2025 before another successful title defense vs. Camilla Panatta on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua in December. In the headlining bout of MVPW-01 in April 2025, she successfully unified titles with then-WBO champion Terri Harper, becoming the new unified WBC and WBO lightweight world champion at 135lbs. She is currently ranked ESPN’s #1 lightweight, as well as ESPN’s #10 and Boxrec’s #12 pound-for-pound talent in the world.

“I’m excited to be fighting in the UK at home again,” said Caroline Dubois. “The crowd in London last time was incredible. I am looking forward to representing the UK on this card and defending my unified titles. The goal is to fight for more belts at the end of the year so I need to focus and take care of business with a big win in Birmingham. Forever blessed and happy Most Valuable Promotions are keeping me active.”

Amelia Moore is an American lightweight boxer, two-time national amateur champion, and former member of Team USA. She began training as a boxer while she was still in high school, continuing to train during two years at the United States Naval Academy, where she was recruited to run track. A member of USA Boxing since 2011, Moore built an impressive amateur and professional career highlighted by national titles at the National Golden Gloves Championships and the USA Boxing National Championships. She also captured gold medals at the Elite National Championships and National PAL Championships, earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Continental Championships in Ecuador, and represented Team USA in international competition around the world. A longtime Olympic hopeful, Moore qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials and served as an alternate for Team USA during the Tokyo Olympic cycle. Moore made her pro debut in November 2024. In March 2026, just her fourth pro fight, she captured the NABF lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Bonnie Hunter, She is currently ranked the #5 WBO and #14 WBC contender at 135lbs. She is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I’ve spent most of my life pursuing this sport. Three Olympic cycles, countless international tournaments, years of learning, growing, and preparing for moments like this. I respect Caroline and the path she’s taken to become world champion,” said Amelia Moore. “That’s what makes this opportunity so meaningful. When the best are willing to face the best, everybody wins. August 29th is bigger than a title fight. It’s another step forward for women’s boxing, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced over 30 live boxing events and currently promotes over 60 fighters, 15 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

About ESPN

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

TERENCE CRAWFORD, 2025 Fighter of the Year, and MIKAELA MAYER, 2025 Female Fighter of the Year, will attend the 101st BWAA Award Dinner on Thursday, June 25th, in New York City. Ticket and Program Ad deadlines are approaching, so make your plans now. See attached for all information,

The BWAA is celebrating its 101st year of covering the “Sweet Science,” the sport of boxing!

The 101st Annual Boxing Writers Association of America Awards Dinner

Thursday, June 25, 2026, Cocktails at 7:00 PM, Dinner and Awards at 8:15 PM

Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY

Attached please find the following information: 

–  Honorees for 2025 

–  Event Journal Ad Reservation Form

– Ticket Purchase Form

–  Informational Flyer

Honorees:

TERENCE CRAWFORD                                         Fighter of the Year

MIKAELA MAYER                                                    Female Fighter of the Year

CHRIS EUBANK – CONOR BENN I                       Fight of the Year
SHADASIA Green – SAVANNAH MARSHALL       Female Fight of the Year
ROBERT GARCIA                                                   Trainer of the Year                                         
 KEITH CONNOLLY                                                  Manager of the Year
ROY JONES, JR.                                                     Broadcast Excellence

SUGAR RAY LEONARD                                         Good Guy Award
JOHN SHEPPARD                                                   Long and Meritorious Service

CHRISTY MARTIN                                                  Courage In Overcoming Adversity

JON SARACENO                                                    Outstanding Boxing Writing

The Bernie Awards for outstanding boxing coverage in 2025 and 2025 photography winners will also be awarded.

Make your plans now to be a part of this very special event by reserving your seat and an ad in the event program.  The Edison Hotel is offering a 25% discount promo code on rooms.  See the attachments for more information on VIP tables, seats, ads and rooms. 

NEW YORK, NY – March 13, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of three-division world champion, reigning two-division world champion, and 2016 U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer (22-2, 5 KOs). Mayer, currently the unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs is Ring Magazine’s #3, ESPN’s #6, and Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound talent globally and one of the most accomplished and respected fighters in women’s boxing. Mayer’s signing represents another major addition to MVP’s rapidly expanding roster of elite female fighters and comes as the company launches MVPW, its new global platform dedicated to women’s boxing. Mayer also becomes the latest Olympian to sign with MVP, joining Oshae Jones, Caroline Dubois, Tamm Thibeault, Ramla Ali, Jahmal Harvey, Nelvie Tiafack, and Keno Marley. 

Mayer joins MVP at a pivotal moment as the company continues to expand its roster of elite female athletes, representing more than 40 elite women’s fighters, 15 reigning women’s world champions, and 22 top female contenders, and promoted many of the most-watched, historic, and highest-grossing women’s boxing fights of all time. MVPW will deliver a year-round schedule of the best fighting the best with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028, combining linear broadcast and streaming distribution. 

Reigning unified WBA and WBC super welterweight world champion at 154lbs and the reigning WBO welterweight world champion at 147lbs Mayer, 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. Mayer lost her perfect record in a debated 2022 split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in a bid for the undisputed junior lightweight title. In January 2024, she contended for the IBF welterweight world title against Natasha Jonas. While a Jonas rematch did not materialize, Mayer seized her second opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. In September 2024, she defeated WBO welterweight world champion Sandy Ryan by majority decision in a Fight of the Year contender. Six months later, Mayer bested Ryan by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, putting an exclamation point on their fierce 20-round rivalry. Mayer conquered a third weight class in October 2025, dominating Canadian star Mary Spencer over 10 rounds in Montreal to capture the WBA, WBC, and WBO junior middleweight titles. She is currently ranked Ring Magazine’s #3, ESPN’s #6 and Boxrec’s #10 pound-for-pound talent globally.

“I’m thrilled to join Most Valuable Promotions as we continue breaking barriers and elevating women’s boxing to new heights,” said Mikaela Mayer. “I’ve always wanted the biggest and best fights, and MVP’s premier roster of women champions creates incredible opportunities to make those matchups happen. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills on some of the biggest platforms in the sport and working with a passionate, innovative team that believes in the continued growth of women’s boxing.”

“Mikaela is one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s boxing and a proven champion across multiple weight classes,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “She has competed on the sport’s biggest stages, faced the best fighters in the world, and continues to push the sport forward. We’re proud to welcome Mikaela to MVP and look forward to building the next chapter of her career together.”

MVP is the global home of women’s boxing, elevating female fighters with the same platform and push as men’s boxing. With the gold “W” embedded directly within the MVP logo, MVPW signals that women’s boxing is a foundational pillar of the company’s long-term global strategy. Each event will be sequentially branded beginning with MVPW-01, establishing a clear, year-round schedule showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters. The MVPW platform debuts with MVPW-01 on Sunday, April 5, in London, where Sky Sports will broadcast the event live in the United Kingdom and streaming live in the U.S. on the ESPN App as the first event under the new agreement. The platform makes its U.S. linear premiere on Friday, April 17 with MVPW-02, headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) vs. top contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs) at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. MVPW-03 will take place Saturday, May 30, in El Paso, Texas, headlined by MVP’s WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (12-0, 3 KOs) vs. the most decorated two-sport athlete in combat sports history, Holly Holm (34-3-3, 9 KOs). The deal will deliver a mix of linear and streaming distribution, with the majority of events airing on ESPN’s linear channels, a significant milestone for women’s boxing and female sports. Mayer is anticipated to make her MVPW debut in the coming months.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @MikaelaMayer1 or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @mikaelamayer.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) 

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events and currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 18 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

Mikaela Mayer won the WBA/WBC/WBO super welterweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mary Spencer at Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.

Mayer was the more active fighter as she came out from the opening bell unleashing heavy combinations. She seemed to do that round after round with the bigger Spencer landing some good shots but they were one at a time. Mayer, who was a champion at 130, 135 (interim) and is currently the WBO Welterweight title adds more hardware to her trophy case as she won by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice.

Mayer, 151 lbs of Colorado Springs, CO is 22-2. Spencer, 152.8 lbs of Montreal is 10-3.

“Usually, I’m the taller fighter. But because I’m the taller fighter, I also know how to beat me. And it’s never good when you’re the taller fighter and you let the other fighter get underneath.”

“So, I knew I had to come up underneath Mary Spencer and just come over the top with the big hooks. That’s what we trained for, and you saw me towards the last three rounds of the fight, really landing those big right and left hooks to the head.”

“I think the most important thing is I have options. That’s great in boxing. You always want options. I came off two years where my career kind of took a left turn. I had to navigate my way back to this position. So having options is definitely a blessing.”

“I’ll have to go back and go over things my team. I would love to defend both belts. I can go back to 147, become undisputed there, and maybe come back up and defend at 154.”

“I think I’m a natural 147-pounder. Mary Spencer is a strong, solid opponent. Props to her. She didn’t have to take this fight. She took a big risk taking on a fighter like me. And I always come forward and put on tough fights, so props to her.”

“She’s a heavy-handed girl. And 154 is different. But I think that was a great experience for me, and I can do both. I can do both, so we’ll have to see what is the best option we have.”

In an entertaining super middleweight bout, Wilens Mathieu won a 10-round unanimous decision over Shakeel Phinn.

In round three, Mathieu rocked Phinn with a hard right and then dropped Phinn with a right to the head.

Mathieu had Phinn in trouble several more times, but Phinn hung in there and was able to back up Mathieu and make the fight interesting, but it was noy enough as Mathieu won by scores of 99-90 and 98-91 twice.

Mathieu, 167.8 lbs of Montreal is 15-0. P

Arthur Biyarslanov remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a junior welterweight bout.

Biyarslanov, 139.7 lbs of Toronto won by scores of 99-90,97-92 and 96-93 and is now 20-0. Lipinets, 139.6 lbs of Woodland Hills, CA is 18-5-1.

In round four, Lipinets began to bleed from his forehead

In round three, Biyarslanov landed a straight left that put Lipinets on his back.

Christopher Guerrero won an 10-round unanimous decision over Williams Andres Herrera in a welterweight bout.

Guerrero, 146.9 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 16-0. Herrera, 146.3 lbs of Argentina is 17-10.

This Thursday, October 30, women’s boxing will take center stage for a historic night at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, where Canada’s own Mary Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs) will defend her WBA super welterweight world title (154 lbs) against American star Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs).

At 40 years old, Ontario native Spencer will make the second defense of her WBA belt—and her first as the regular champion—after claiming the title in April with a victory over Ogleidis Suárez. Known for her power, reach, and Olympic pedigree, Spencer enters as the established queen of the division, boasting both physical advantages and home turf. Her style blends sharp distance control with the ability to close strong in exchanges.

For this camp, Spencer went back to her roots. The Canadian conducted most of her training between Detroit and her hometown of Windsor, just as she did before her last fight, once again teaming up with her longtime coach, Karo Ro.

Mayer, 35, is no stranger to world championship gold. The former unified champion will be chasing her first belt under the WBA banner. Coming off back-to-back wins over Sandy Ryan, the American moves up in weight brimming with ambition and confidence. Her technical skillset, movement, and high punch volume could be key assets in neutralizing Spencer’s strength and pressure.

In less than 24 hours, WBA super-welterweight world champion Mary Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs) will defend her title against pound-for-pound great Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs). With the vacant WBC and WBO world titles also on the line, three of the four major belts will be contested — a first in the history of women’s boxing in Quebec!

“Mikaela Mayer has a fan-friendly style… so I can’t wait to hit her,” said Canadian olympian Mary Spencer during the event’s final press conference.

“There are lots of big fights ahead of me, but the number one goal right now is to put on a great performance, show everyone that even though I’m the smaller fighter, skills pay the bills. Size doesn’t win fights, skill does,” added U.S. olympian Mikaela Mayer.

For the co-main event, young sensation Wilkens Mathieu (14-0, 10 KOs) will look to take his career to the next level in a local showdown – with two titles at stake – against Quebec veteran Shakeel Phinn (27-3-2, 17 KOs).

“I won’t let the judges rob me of the victory — I’m here to seek and destroy,” vowed Brossard’s own Shakeel Phinn.

“I don’t think Shakeel realizes who I am. I’m young, not that experienced… but I’m way more talented than him and better in every way. He’ll find out on Thursday,” responded 20-year-old Wilkens Mathieu.

Spencer vs Mayer
EIGHT TITLES ON THE LINE
On the undercard, former world champion Sergey Lipinets (18-4-1, 13 KOs) will arrive in Montreal looking to snatch the NABF super-lightweight title from Canadian Olympian Arthur Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs).

Light-heavyweight and welterweight contenders Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs) and Christopher Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs) will also defend their respective WBC Continental Americas titles, while EOTTM prospects Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) and Erik Israyelyan (2-0, 2 KOs) will open the show in the two first bouts of the evening.

WEIGH IN RESULTS

Spencer vs Mayer

152,8 LB
SPENCER

vs.

MAYER
151 LB

Mathieu vs Phinn

167,6 LB
MATHIEU

vs.

PHINN
166,9 LB

Biyarslanov vs Lipinets

139,7 LB
BIYARSLANOV

vs.

LIPINETS
139,6 LB

ALL THE PHOTOS (CREDIT: VITOR MUNHOZ/EOTTM) AND RESULTS OF THE WEIGH IN CAN BE FOUND HERE!

– 30 –

INFORMATIONS, INTERVIEWS AND CREDENTIALS:
Noé Cloutier, communication coordinator of EOTTM:
noe@eottm.com | (450) 530-4715

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EOTTM

MONTREAL, Canada (Oct. 28, 2025) — Two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer looks to conquer a third weight class on enemy soil.

Mayer will challenge Canadian fan favorite Mary Spencer for the WBA super welterweight world title this Thursday, Oct. 30, at Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada. The vacant WBC and WBO belts will also be up for grabs in this newly minted three-title showdown.

Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) is the current WBO champ at welterweight, defeating Sandy Ryan via majority decision in September 2024 before securing a more decisive triumph in March’s rematch. Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs), a 2012 Olympian, defended her title in April with a unanimous decision over former world champion Ogleidis Suarez. 

Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, Spencer-Mayer and select undercard bouts will stream on Top Rank Classics in the U.S. beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Top Rank Classics is free and available on major FAST hubs. 

To watch on mobile or desktop, visit trboxing.co/TopRankClassics. To watch on your smart TV, check the availability of FAST channel apps and look for the Top Rank Classics channel.

At Tuesday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters said:

Mary Spencer

“I saw the odds. I know that I’m the underdog according to the bookies, but I mean, they get it wrong often. I don’t feel like an underdog. I feel like this fight is a gift.”

“I know where I’m at as far as training, where I’m at in my life, and I felt even before this fight was matched that the next opponent was going to be in trouble, whoever that was. And now the situation is even more exciting because it’s Mikaela, because of the style that she brings.”

“I get to be here at home. I get to really show a hometown crowd my best, and I’m very excited for that.”

“I think the key to victory is going to be me staying comfortable and being myself in the ring, and just being calm.”

Mikaela Mayer

“I’m really happy to be back here in Canada. I haven’t fought in Canada since my amateur days, back when I first learned of Mary Spencer. It’s great to be back.”

“I have a big job to do on Thursday night. It’s always been my goal in this sport to go and search out the best fights possible, the biggest names possible.”

“I’ve had a great career so far. I did my thing at 130. I moved up to 147 and became a champion there, but my goal is to go undisputed. I couldn’t get that undisputed fight against Lauren Price at 147, so my goal is to find the next best challenge for me. And when Mary Spencer’s name came up, I said, yep, let’s go to 154. Let’s take that challenge.”

“She’s a worthy opponent. She’s done a lot in the sport. You know, I remember her name from back in the day. She was the it girl back in the amateurs, so those are the type of names I want to add to my resume, and we got the fight done, so I’m happy to be here.”

“I plan on getting my hand raised Thursday night, becoming a three-division world champion, and then me and my team will decide what we’ll do from there.”

“There are lots of big fights ahead of me, but the number one goal right now is to put on a great performance, show everyone that even though I’m the smaller fighter, skills pay the bills. Size doesn’t win fights, skill does.”

“So, that’s what I’m going to do Thursday night. I’m going to trust my corner and trust the game plan that we have. It was a really long camp. We put in a lot of work in, so I’ll be ready to put on a great show for you guys.”

Thursday, October 30

Top Rank Classics (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

Mary Spencer vs. Mikaela Mayer, 10 Rounds, Spencer’s WBA Super Welterweight World Title and Vacant WBC & WBO Titles

Wilkens Mathieu vs. Shakeel Phinn, 10 Rounds, NABF & WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Titles

Mehmet Unal vs. Ralf Vilcans, 10 Rounds, Unal’s WBC Continental Americas Light Heavyweight Title

Christopher Guerrero vs. Williams Andres Herrera, 10 Rounds, Guerrero’s WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title

(Oct. 21, 2025) — The WBA super welterweight world title showdown between reigning champion Mary Spencer and two-weight queen Mikaela Mayer — Thursday, Oct. 30 at Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada — will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on the Top Rank Classics FAST channel.

Top Rank Classics is free and available on major FAST hubs.

Spencer-Mayer and select undercard bouts will stream on Top Rank Classics beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) is the reigning WBO welterweight world champion, a title she won last September with a majority decision over British standout Sandy Ryan. She defeated Ryan by unanimous decision in March’s rematch, authoring a career-defining victory against her heated rival. Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs), a 2012 Olympian and three-time World Championships gold medalist as a Team Canada amateur standout, made the first defense of her championship in April with a unanimous decision over former world champion Ogleidis Suarez. 

The Top Rank Classics stream is also scheduled to include the following bouts:

Wilkens Mathieu (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Shakeel Phinn (27-3-2, 17 KOs), WBC Continental Americas & NABF Super Middleweight Titles

Arthur Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs) vs. Sergey Lipinets (18-4-1, 13 KOs), Biyarslanov’s NABF Junior Welterweight Title

Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs) vs. Ralfs Vilcans (18-2, 7 KOs), Unal’s WBC Continental Americas Light Heavyweight Title

Christopher Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs) vs. Williams Andres Herrera (17-4, 7 KOs), Guerrero’s WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title

MONTREAL, September 19, 2025 — The stakes will be high — from start to finish — on October 30 at the Casino de Montréal. In addition to the WBA super welterweight world title fight between Mary Spencer and Mikaela Mayer, and the NABF and WBC Continental Americas super middleweight titles between Wilkens Mathieu and Shakeel Phinn, five other bouts — including three more title fights — will take place on the undercard.

First, three-time top-15 world contender Arthur ‘The Wolf’ Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs) will make the 4th defense of his NABF super lightweight title against what’s expected to be his biggest test to date, former world champion Sergey ‘Samurai’ Lipinets (18-4-1, 13 KOs).

“Lipinets is as tough as they come, a veteran who’s seen it all, a former world champion. But that’s exactly what makes this fight exciting: experience versus hunger, the old lion against the young hungry wolf. Arthur wants to prove he’s ready to hunt with the big dogs, and this fight will show the world just that,” said Canadian Olympian Biyarslanov’s coach, Samuel Décarie-Drolet.

Also in action, Olympian and top-15 contender Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs) will make his first defense of the WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title, in what’s expected to be an explosive matchup against Ralfs ‘The Train’ Vilcans (18-2, 7 KOs).

“Vilcans is a very solid technician who’s also extremely durable, as shown in the tough fight he gave Anthony Yarde! For Mehmet, this will be a real test to see where he stands among the elite of the division,” said Unal’s head coach and EOTTM’s director of development, Marc Ramsay.

In the first of five title fights that night, Montreal’s Christopher ‘Machine Gun’ Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas welterweight title for the second time this year, against the opponent he was initially scheduled to face last June: brawler Williams Andres Herrera (17-4, 7 KOs). A tough fighter from La Calera, Argentina, Herrera has previously won the IBF Latino title. Along the way, he gave tough fights to Josh Wagner, Paddy Donovan, and more recently, Pat McCormack, with whom he went the distance in England. However, Guerrero is determined to send a message — to the boxing world, and to his opponent.

“I am planning to show that this year is mine to take. I want a top-5 ranking sooner than later and I think this fight — plus how decisively I am going to win it — will inch me closer than ever to the top of the division,” said Christopher Guerrero, currently ranked 19th by the WBC at 147 lbs.

Also on the card, two super featherweight matchups between four undefeated boxers. In an 8-round bout, Thetford Mines’ own Thomas ‘The Ghost’ Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) returns to face Canadian lightweight champion Logan ‘The Toon Toon Terror’ Clouthier (6-0, 4 KOs). Then, kicking off the night in a 4-rounder, EOTTM’s prospect and junior amateur world champion Erik Israyelyan (2-0, 2 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line against Calgary prospect Dylan Schroeder (6-0, 4 KOs).

MONTREAL, August 29, 2025 — There will be two main events at the Casino de Montréal on October 30. WBA super-welterweight world champion Mary Spencer will face American two-division world champion and pound-for-pound great Mikaela Mayer in one of the most significant women’s boxing matches ever held in Canada. Then, in a high-stakes local clash with two titles on the line, young sensation Wilkens Mathieu will take on Quebec warrior Shakeel Phinn in a highly anticipated super-middleweight clash.

“Last year, Mikaela Mayer headlined at Madison Square Garden. This fall, she’ll be here at the Casino de Montréal. That proves Quebec boxing belongs in the big leagues — and that Mary Spencer doesn’t back down from adversity. Her world title is on the line that night, and I have no doubt she’s ready to go to war to keep it,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan.

“Never in a thousand years did I think I’d get the chance to fight Mikaela Mayer. I’ve followed her career a lot, and as a fan, I love her style — but what excites me most is that our styles mesh so well that this will be a truly memorable fight. Saying I’m excited is an understatement, and I hope the fans are too, because this will be epic,” promised world champion Mary Spencer.

A Canadian Olympian at the London Games and a three-time amateur world champion, Montreal-based Mary Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs) has developed into a top-level pro. Last September, she won the WBA super-welterweight world title against Germany’s Naomi Mannes. This past April, she successfully defended it by dominating former two-time world champion Ogleidis Suarez over 10 rounds, despite a serious hand injury. Now fully recovered, Spencer is more determined than ever to win her third straight world title fight.

Across the ring, Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs), will be in the unusual position of challenger. An Olympian at the Rio Games, the Top Rank-promoted native of Los Angeles has held the WBO, IBF, and The Ring super featherweight titles. She later moved up to lightweight, capturing the interim WBC title, and in September 2024, won the WBO welterweight world title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden with a hard-fought majority decision over Sandy Ryan. She defended that belt in March, topping Ryan by unanimous decision in their rematch.

“I couldn’t get the undisputed fight with Lauren Price, so rather than take an easy touch, I looked for the next best challenge,” Mikaela Mayer said. “Beating Mary Spencer at 154 pounds will make me a three-division world champion, and although I may be on the smaller side, I have the necessary skills and experience. I’ll dethrone Mary and then head back down to welterweight to challenge Price. I will be stronger, sharper, and better than ever.”

While the Spencer vs. Mayer bout features two established champions, the Wilkens Mathieu (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Shakeel Phinn (27-3-2, 17 KOs) clash will feature two fighters with something to prove.

“This is clearly the biggest test of my career — but that doesn’t mean I’ll be tested,” said a confident Wilkens Mathieu, a rising EOTTM star and Ring Magazine ambassador. “People always say boxing is about levels, and on September 30, I’m going to show everyone — including Shakeel Phinn — that he’s not on mine.”

“People think this will be a tough fight, but for Wilkens it’ll look easy. Expect a highlight-reel KO on October 30,” added his trainer, Montreal’s Giuseppe Moffa. Mathieu will fight for the NABF and WBC Continental Americas super-middleweight titles.

But being the underdog has never intimidated Shakeel Phinn. In May 2024, “The Jamaican Juggernaut” stepped into the ring at the Casino de Montréal against another undefeated EOTTM fighter, Erik Bazinyan. Despite being a heavy 8-to-1 underdog, Phinn shocked everyone by fighting to a draw — a result he believes should have gone in his favor. Determined not to leave anything to the judges this time, Phinn returns to the Casino with a clear mission.

Also on the October 30 card, three other champions will be in action. Top-10 super-lightweight contender Arthur Biyarslanov (19-0, 16 KOs) will make his fourth NABF title defense. Top-15 light heavyweight contender Mehmet Unal (13-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental title for the first time, and top-20 welterweight contender Christopher Guerrero (15-0, 9 KOs) will make his second defense of the WBC Continental title. Fan favorite Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) will also return to action, while rising junior amateur world champion Erik Israyelyan (2-0, 2 KOs) will look to keep his flawless record intact.

Tickets for the #SpencerMayer event — also featuring the #MathieuPhinn bout — are on sale now via Ticketmaster (HERE). Photos from recent fights of Mary Spencer, Wilkens Mathieu, and the EOTTM undercard boxers for the October 30 card at the Casino de Montréal are also available (HERE).

The ESPN Original Series, The Fight Life, returns for its second season on Monday, July 7, following its debut season last fall.

Where to watch

New episodes will be available to watch on demand on ESPN+, beginning July 7. After each episode’s debut, The Fight Life will also air across ESPN’s linear platforms (check local listings).

Watch The Fight Life season two trailer.

Also, check out all of season one now on ESPN+, featuring Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor.

Series description

The ESPN Original Series, The Fight Life, returns for season two, chronicling a year in the world of Top Rank through the journey of six of boxing’s brightest stars: Keyshawn Davis, Mikaela Mayer, Jared Anderson, Jaime Munguia, Abdullah Mason and Emiliano Vargas.

The series follows each fighter as they prepare for career-defining fights while navigating the pressures and immeasurable rewards that come with The Fight Life.

The Fight Life is produced by ESPN in association with Words + Pictures and Top Rank.

Episode descriptions & dates (subject to change)

• Episode 1 – Keyshawn Davis: Legacy Begins (July 7): Riding a meteoric rise through the professional ranks, undefeated lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis faces the most pivotal fight of his young career when he battles Gustavo Lemos. A victory will all but guarantee Davis a world title shot, but on the eve of the fight, the bout’s status is called into question.

• Episode 2 – Mikaela Mayer: Road to Redemption (July 8): After suffering defeats in her last two title fights, Mikaela Mayer faces what could be her final shot at a belt against reigning WBO welterweight world champion, Sandy Ryan. Tensions rise as personal feuds play out, and a pre-fight incident brings the drama to a boiling point. With her career clock ticking, Mayer must prove she still has what it takes.

• Episode 3 – Jared Anderson: The Weight of Greatness (July 9): Jared Anderson was once considered the next great American heavyweight and the heir to Tyson Fury’s throne. A series of driving arrests and a knockout loss have left his future in doubt. When Anderson finds himself at the bottom of a fight card, his lackluster performance leaves many wondering if he will ever fulfill his potential.

• Episode 4 – Jaime Munguia: Tijuana Warrior (July 10): Many expertsconsidered Jaime Munguia to be Tijuana’s next great champion after an impressive performance in a loss to Canelo Alvarez. However, the wear and tear of an already long career has left some wondering if the Mexican star’s best days are behind him. Munguia returns home for a stadium homecoming against massive underdog Bruno Surace intent on making a statement.

• Episode 5 – Mason & Vargas: Next in Line (July 11): 21-year-olds Emiliano Vargas and Abdullah Mason are boxing phenoms on the precipice of superstardom. Vargas, an unbeaten junior welterweight, fights to defend the Vargas family boxing legacy established by his world champion father, Fernando. Mason, a flashy lightweight from Cleveland, Ohio, hopes to become the next face of the sport.

For More Information on ESPN+

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.
 

# # #

 
 
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.

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

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• 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