Ryan to Defend WBO Title Against Mayer in New York Showdown.

Posted 3 months ago

Britain's Sandy Ryan will defend her WBO welterweight title against American Mikaela Mayer in New York on September 27.

The fight at Madison Square Garden Theater will mark Sandy Ryan's third defense of her WBO welterweight title and her second time defending the belt in the US.

Ryan, with only one loss in nine fights, plans to let her performance speak for itself against Mikaela Mayer. "This is a key moment in my career, and I’m eager to defend my title," she said. "On even ground, no one is taking this belt from me."

Ryan, who last fought in the US in a controversial draw against Jessica McCaskill, is ready for the challenge. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum noted, "Mikaela Mayer always aims to fight the best, and Sandy Ryan is an elite welterweight."

"These are two of the best pound-for-pound fighters, and the winner will establish herself as the top 147-pounder," said the promoter.

Mayer, a former unified super-featherweight champion, has had mixed results since moving up in weight. Her most recent bout was a controversial points loss to IBF welterweight champion Natasha Jonas in Liverpool in January.

With only two losses on her record—against Jonas and Alycia Baumgardner—Mayer has fought her last four matches in the UK. She will be fighting on home soil for the first time since 2022.