Mikaela Mayer defends her WBO Welterweight title in a rematch against Sandy Ryan in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mayer wrestled the title from the Derby fighter in New York last year, but that was a controversial contest and the stage is set for a highly-anticipated rematch.
By Luke Seychell
Mikaela Mayer v Sandy Ryan Betting Tips
- Sandy Ryan to win by decision @ 13/10 with bet365
All odds are courtesy of bet365, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
Ryan ready to gain revenge
Sandy Ryan (7-2, 3 KOs) lost her WBO welterweight belt to Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) in New York last year, but the Derby boxer looks ready for revenge in Las Vegas.
The 31-year-old’s defeat came in controversial circumstances, not only because the Madison Square Garden contest was a closely-fought contest, but the build-up to the fight left a sour taste for the British fighter.
Ryan was attacked with paint while on her way to the New York arena, and looked startled by the incident, which she blamed on Mayer and her team.
It’s difficult to know exactly how, and to what extent, the pre-fight episode had on the Brit, but it can’t be viewed as a positive and there are more reasons to expect an improved showing in Las Vegas.
Ryan now has the experience of tackling a home fighter in a hostile environment and the Derby boxer will have gained plenty from the New York tussle.
Of course, the 31-year-old had previously faced American Jessica McCaskill in Orlando, but she has contested only nine professional contests and those bouts can be viewed as good learning experiences.
Ryan is certainly young enough and fresh enough to come again and she may just have a little more to offer at this stage of her career.
Mayer certainly has the stronger form and the Colorado fighter has been in the ring with Natasha Jonas, Alycia Baumgardner and Maiva Hamadouche.
However, the 34-year-old has been involved in a series of grueling bouts and they may have taken their toll.
Mayer was certainly unfortunate not to get the decision when taking on Jonas last year, but Miss GB looked an aged and shot fighter when being dominated by Lauren Price earlier this month and that form may not be as strong as the record suggests.
There wasn’t a great deal between Mayer and Ryan in New York last year, but a more orthodox preparation could give the British boxer the small uplift she needs.
Backing Ryan to win by decision looks the best way to roll the dice in Vegas.
- Mikaela Mayer v Sandy Ryan Betting Tip: Sandy Ryan to win by decision @ 13/10 with bet365
