SANDY Ryan defends her WBO welterweight title in New York tonight against Mikaela Mayer over 10 rounds. This is her third defence of the title she won in 2023. One fight later, Ryan tried to add multiple belts to her trophy cabinet but was foiled by a draw with Jessica McCaskill.
A fourth-round retirement win over Terri Harper (who fights in Sheffield tomorrow night, as it happens) got her back on track and led to this big opportunity. Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) and Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs) have had plenty to say in the build-up and the styles should gel nicely to produce an engaging spectacle at the Garden.
Ryan is 4/5 to make a successful defence, while Mayer is 20/21. The 34-year-old American lost to Natasha Jonas in a January IBF title tilt by the narrowest of margins. The winner here will fancy a unification crack at ‘tasha.
While Ryan has campaigned around this weight since turning pro in 2021, Mayer turned over in 2017 at super-featherweight, unifying titles at 130 before another contested loss to Alycia Baumgardner. If Mayer gets drawn inside, away from her height, reach and jab, which she tends to do, then Ryan’s strength at the weight will tell. This can help the Derby woman get it done by decision.
Boxing News Betting Tips
Sandy Ryan by Decision/Technical Decision @ 13/10
