WBO world champion Mikaela Mayer has accused welterweight rival Sandy Ryan of possessing a ‘weak mentality’ ahead of their eagerly anticipated rematch this Saturday.
Just moments before their first encounter last September, Ryan, 7-2-1 (3 KOs), was doused with a tin of paint in what could only be described as a truly bizarre pre-fight incident.
Despite a review of CCTV footage by the New York Police Department, there is still no explanation regarding the motive or individuals involved.
Nevertheless, Ryan was quick to accuse her opponent of being responsible for the paint attack, to which Mayer, 20-2 (5 KOs), has responded by vehemently denying any involvement.
In any case, their fight at the Madison Square Garden Theatre delivered a fiercely compelling 10-round affair, with Mayer ultimately claiming a somewhat contentious majority decision.
But Ryan, who was visibly shaken before entering the ring, insists that the best possible version of herself was nowhere to be seen.
As a result, the Brit was forced to hand over the WBO strap she had claimed with a punishing fourth-round stoppage victory over Terri Harper earlier last year.
So long as ‘paint-gate’ does not rear its ugly head once again, the 31-year-old will undoubtedly be hoping that her next assignment in Las Vegas represents a blank canvas.
The winner, of course, would put herself in pole position for a potential undisputed clash with unified titlist Lauren Price later this year.
But regardless of any future fights, Mayer is seemingly gleaming with confidence ahead of what promises to be another thrilling night of action.
“I think Sandy has a pretty weak mentality,” the Olympian told Sky Sports. “I think she overthinks a lot, she stresses out a lot.”
“The way she reacted to the paint thing, and taking a photo shoot and all that, I can tell that she’s easily flustered.
“That’s not good. At the end of the day, this sport is all mental, so you’ve got to have your head right.
“I think she’s realised [the paint incident] was not me, despite our rivalry. Just some random guy who was sitting in a car behind her came up and threw paint. It’s a mystery to this day.”
