Mikaela Mayer easily outpoints Lucy Wildheart in debut at 135 pounds

Mikaela Mayer easily outpointed Lucy Wildheart in her debut at 135 pounds Saturday in London.

Mikaela Mayer appears to belong in the 135-pound division.

The former 130-pound titleholder, making her debut at the heavier weight, outworked late replacement Lucy Wildheart to win a unanimous decision over 10 rounds on the Joe Joyce-Zhilei Zhang card Saturday in London.

The official scores were 100-90, 98-92 and 98-92. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-91, nine rounds to one.

Wildheart (10-2, 4 KOs) took the fight on 24 hours notice when Christina Linardatou was removed from the card after she failed an eye test.

The Swede was game and had her moments, landing eye-catching right hands with some consistency. However, she was outworked by Mayer, who pushed the action and landed many more punches than her opponent.

The 2016 U.S. Olympian jabbed well early, which set the tone and kept the shorter Wildheart away. And then, when they settled into a toe-to-toe battle, Mayer got the better of the exchanges. She connected on power shots to both the head and body almost at will.

Mayer landed 236 of 592 punches (40%), according to CompuBox. Wildheart was 131 of 462 (28%).

“She stepped in at the last minute,” Mayer said of Wildheart. “That was gutsy of her to take a big fight, to jump in on 24 hours notice. She’s strong and durable. I see why she has the confidence to do that.”

They fought for the vacant WBC “interim” title, which puts Mayer near the head of the line to face undisputed 135-pound champion Katie Taylor.

Taylor is scheduled to face Chantelle Cameron on May 20 and is expected to face Amanda Serrano in a rematch after that. However, that’s who Mayer is targeting.

“It’s definitely really exciting for me,” Mayer said. “This is where I belong. I belong in big fights, I belong in title fights. I’m in my prime. I feel great.

“I want the toughest challenge possible. And right now, at 135 pounds, that’s Katie Taylor.”

Mikaela Mayer easily outpoints Lucy Wildheart in debut at 135 pounds

Mikaela Mayer easily outpointed Lucy Wildheart in her debut at 135 pounds Saturday in London.

Mikaela Mayer appears to belong in the 135-pound division.

The former 130-pound titleholder, making her debut at the heavier weight, outworked late replacement Lucy Wildheart to win a unanimous decision over 10 rounds on the Joe Joyce-Zhilei Zhang card Saturday in London.

The official scores were 100-90, 98-92 and 98-92. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-91, nine rounds to one.

Wildheart (10-2, 4 KOs) took the fight on 24 hours notice when Christina Linardatou was removed from the card after she failed an eye test.

The Swede was game and had her moments, landing eye-catching right hands with some consistency. However, she was outworked by Mayer, who pushed the action and landed many more punches than her opponent.

The 2016 U.S. Olympian jabbed well early, which set the tone and kept the shorter Wildheart away. And then, when they settled into a toe-to-toe battle, Mayer got the better of the exchanges. She connected on power shots to both the head and body almost at will.

Mayer landed 236 of 592 punches (40%), according to CompuBox. Wildheart was 131 of 462 (28%).

“She stepped in at the last minute,” Mayer said of Wildheart. “That was gutsy of her to take a big fight, to jump in on 24 hours notice. She’s strong and durable. I see why she has the confidence to do that.”

They fought for the vacant WBC “interim” title, which puts Mayer near the head of the line to face undisputed 135-pound champion Katie Taylor.

Taylor is scheduled to face Chantelle Cameron on May 20 and is expected to face Amanda Serrano in a rematch after that. However, that’s who Mayer is targeting.

“It’s definitely really exciting for me,” Mayer said. “This is where I belong. I belong in big fights, I belong in title fights. I’m in my prime. I feel great.

“I want the toughest challenge possible. And right now, at 135 pounds, that’s Katie Taylor.”

Mikaela Mayer puts disputed loss behind her, sets sights high

Former champion Mikaela Mayer has puts her disputed loss to Alycia Baumgardner behind her and has set her sights high.

Mikaela Mayer still isn’t over her disputed setback against Alycia Baumgardner in February but she’s moving forward.

Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) lost a split decision to Baumgardner in a 130-pound title-unification showdown, a bitter setback that put a halt to her momentum. And when it became clear that she wouldn’t get a rematch, she made an overdue move to 135.

The 2016 Olympian from the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles faces late replacement Lucy Wildheart on the Joe Joyce-Zhilei Zhang card Saturday at Copper Box Arena in London (ESPN+).

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QwVB6TuniiQ

“It was tough coming off that loss,” Mayer said of the Baumgardner fight, which also took place in London. “I came out thinking we won. We didn’t get it after all the work we put in. We put in so much to get to that level.

“I had to go through all the emotions and then I had to put them aside.”

Mayer had fought at 130 pounds her entire career, which started in 2017.

She was having trouble making the weight. So when Baumgardner said she wouldn’t give Mayer a rematch, as disappointing as it was, there was a silver lining: The 32-year-old is more comfortable at 135.

Her goal now: become undisputed lightweight champion.

“I didn’t expect her to give me a rematch,” Mayer told Boxing Junkie, referring to Baumgardner. “… I wasn’t surprised. She knows she got away with it.

“Why put yourself back in a position to lose? What was surprising was how dumb it was. Why shoot down a rematch with someone [against whom] you were most viewed and made the most money you’ll ever make?

“… I’m at 135 now. I should’ve moved up a couple of years ago. I’m sticking with my plan to become a champion in multiple divisions.”

With Baumgardner in her past, Mayer is now targeting a fight with an even bigger figure in the sport: Katie Taylor, who fights Chantelle Cameron on May 20.

The unbeaten Irishwoman is the longtime 135-pound champion and arguably the face of women’s boxing. A victory over her would be more significant than one in a rematch with Baumgardner and propel Mayer to new heights.

“[The Baumgardner fight] should’ve been a huge step forward,” Mayer said. “Instead it was a step backward. It really took time but I came to realization that one fighter cant take away what you’ve built.

“Winning [on Saturday] will make me the mandatory for the Taylor-[Cameron] winner. Hell yeah. That excites me. It shows I’m right back in the same position I was.”

[lawrence-related id=33413]

Mikaela Mayer puts disputed loss behind her, sets sights high

Former champion Mikaela Mayer has puts her disputed loss to Alycia Baumgardner behind her and has set her sights high.

Mikaela Mayer still isn’t over her disputed setback against Alycia Baumgardner in February but she’s moving forward.

Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) lost a split decision to Baumgardner in a 130-pound title-unification showdown, a bitter setback that put a halt to her momentum. And when it became clear that she wouldn’t get a rematch, she made an overdue move to 135.

The 2016 Olympian from the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles faces late replacement Lucy Wildheart on the Joe Joyce-Zhilei Zhang card Saturday at Copper Box Arena in London (ESPN+).

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QwVB6TuniiQ

“It was tough coming off that loss,” Mayer said of the Baumgardner fight, which also took place in London. “I came out thinking we won. We didn’t get it after all the work we put in. We put in so much to get to that level.

“I had to go through all the emotions and then I had to put them aside.”

Mayer had fought at 130 pounds her entire career, which started in 2017.

She was having trouble making the weight. So when Baumgardner said she wouldn’t give Mayer a rematch, as disappointing as it was, there was a silver lining: The 32-year-old is more comfortable at 135.

Her goal now: become undisputed lightweight champion.

“I didn’t expect her to give me a rematch,” Mayer told Boxing Junkie, referring to Baumgardner. “… I wasn’t surprised. She knows she got away with it.

“Why put yourself back in a position to lose? What was surprising was how dumb it was. Why shoot down a rematch with someone [against whom] you were most viewed and made the most money you’ll ever make?

“… I’m at 135 now. I should’ve moved up a couple of years ago. I’m sticking with my plan to become a champion in multiple divisions.”

With Baumgardner in her past, Mayer is now targeting a fight with an even bigger figure in the sport: Katie Taylor, who fights Chantelle Cameron on May 20.

The unbeaten Irishwoman is the longtime 135-pound champion and arguably the face of women’s boxing. A victory over her would be more significant than one in a rematch with Baumgardner and propel Mayer to new heights.

“[The Baumgardner fight] should’ve been a huge step forward,” Mayer said. “Instead it was a step backward. It really took time but I came to realization that one fighter cant take away what you’ve built.

“Winning [on Saturday] will make me the mandatory for the Taylor-[Cameron] winner. Hell yeah. That excites me. It shows I’m right back in the same position I was.”

[lawrence-related id=33413]

Alycia Baumgardner defeats Mikaela Mayer by split decision to unify three titles

Alycia Baumgardner defeated Mikaela Mayer by a split decision to unify three 130-pound titles Saturday in London.

Alycia Baumgardner has arrived.

The Detroit fighter defeated previously unbeaten Mikaela Mayer by a split decision in a 10-round fight to unify three 130-pound titles on the Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall card Saturday in London.

The scores were 96-95, 96-95 and 93-97. Boxing Junkie had it 95-95, a draw.

The fight was relatively uneventful, as neither boxter could take complete charge of the action.

Baumgardner got off to a strong start, controlling the first two rounds by outworking Mayer and landed the cleaner, harder punches.

Mayer adjusted by the third round, pushing the action by fighting behind her jab and landing well timed, accurate power punches through the sixth round.

Then, with Mayer cut above her right eye in the seventh, Baumgardner reclaimed the momentum by outworking Mayer and landing some of the biggest shots of the fight.

Mayer bounced back again to have a good ninth round, while the last round was close.

Thus, the fight seemed to be up in the air when it went to the cards. And no one, except Mayer, was surprised that the scoring was close.

The victory was the biggest of Baumgardner’s career, making her a major player in women’s boxing.

Alycia Baumgardner defeats Mikaela Mayer by split decision to unify three titles

Alycia Baumgardner defeated Mikaela Mayer by a split decision to unify three 130-pound titles Saturday in London.

Alycia Baumgardner has arrived.

The Detroit fighter defeated previously unbeaten Mikaela Mayer by a split decision in a 10-round fight to unify three 130-pound titles on the Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall card Saturday in London.

The scores were 96-95, 96-95 and 93-97. Boxing Junkie had it 95-95, a draw.

The fight was relatively uneventful, as neither boxter could take complete charge of the action.

Baumgardner got off to a strong start, controlling the first two rounds by outworking Mayer and landed the cleaner, harder punches.

Mayer adjusted by the third round, pushing the action by fighting behind her jab and landing well timed, accurate power punches through the sixth round.

Then, with Mayer cut above her right eye in the seventh, Baumgardner reclaimed the momentum by outworking Mayer and landing some of the biggest shots of the fight.

Mayer bounced back again to have a good ninth round, while the last round was close.

Thus, the fight seemed to be up in the air when it went to the cards. And no one, except Mayer, was surprised that the scoring was close.

The victory was the biggest of Baumgardner’s career, making her a major player in women’s boxing.

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall: LIVE round-by-round updates and results, full coverage

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall: LIVE updates and results, full coverage.

Claressa Shields defeated Savannah Marshall by a unanimous decision to become undisputed middleweight champion.

The official scores were 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94. Boxing Junkie scored it 96-94 for Shields (13-0, 2 KOs).

Marshall (12-1, 10 KOs) pushed the action, often smothering Shields with punches and pushing her against the ropes. However, Shields withstood the storm round after round and landed the cleaner shots, which evidently impressed the judges.

Neither fighter was hurt in the fight.

You can read a full report here.

Round 10

They fought their hearts out. The last round was another close round. Marshall might’ve been a little busier but Shield’s landed some eye-catching shots. No idea how the judges are going to score this fight.

Round 9

Same story. Back and forth, both fighters having some success. Marshall might be edging these rounds because she’s pushing the action, she’s the one moving forward. That is often rewarded.

Round 8

Tough round to score. Both fighters threw punches from beginning to end. And both had similar success. This fight has become difficult to score. It will be interesting to see how the judges score it.

Round 7

The body language is favoring Marshall. She’s pushing Shields backward, pounding her against the ropes. Shields is fighting back — with some success — but Marshall is just relentless right now.

Round 6

Good round for Marshall. She imposed herself on Shields, who resorted to holding several times. Marshall is still throwing a lot of punches, which might be getting to Shields. Still, the round was competitive.

Round 5

Great toe-to-toe action that round, with both fighters throwing nonstop. Both of them had their moments but I still think Shields is landing the crisper, more damaging shots. That was a close round, though.

Round 4

Shields continues to get the better of exchanges but Marshall might be compensating by throwing a high volume of punches. She’s still all over Shields. Shields is handling the pressure well, though.

Round 3

Somewhat better round for Marshall, who’s trying to smother Shields in punches. And she’s landing some. Shields wasn’t quite as active but she still landed some clean, eye-catching shots. Close round.

Round 2

Another good round for Shields. She’s outboxing Marshall and landed the more accurate, cleaner shots. Marshall is busy but I’m not sure how many of her punches are landing. She did connect on one good right hand early.

Round 1

Big round for Shields. Neither fighter did much for the first minute and then Shields exploded, throwing a barrage of hard shots. Many landed. Marshall took them well. And the Briton bounced back to finish the round strong.

***

Here we go.

Marshall is in the ring. Huge support from her home-country fans. Shields is making her walk to boos.

***

Alycia Baumgardner defeated Mikaela Mayer by a split decision to unify three of the four 130-pound titles.

Two judges had the same score, 96-95 for Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs). The third judge had Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) winning 97-93.

You can read a full Baumgardner-Mayer report here.

***

The Mikaela Mayer-Alycia Baumgardner co-feature is next up in London. The fighters are making their way to the ring.

***

Amateur rivals Claressa Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) and Savannah Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) will fight for the undisputed middleweight championship Saturday at O2 Arena in London (ESPN+).

Also, Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) will face Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) in a junior lightweight title-unification bout.

The card will begin at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Boxing Junkie will post results of the featured bouts on the card immediately after they end. Simply return to this post when the time comes.

Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the night of the fight and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=33354,33292,33285]

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall: LIVE round-by-round updates and results, full coverage

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall: LIVE updates and results, full coverage.

Claressa Shields defeated Savannah Marshall by a unanimous decision to become undisputed middleweight champion.

The official scores were 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94. Boxing Junkie scored it 96-94 for Shields (13-0, 2 KOs).

Marshall (12-1, 10 KOs) pushed the action, often smothering Shields with punches and pushing her against the ropes. However, Shields withstood the storm round after round and landed the cleaner shots, which evidently impressed the judges.

Neither fighter was hurt in the fight.

You can read a full report here.

Round 10

They fought their hearts out. The last round was another close round. Marshall might’ve been a little busier but Shield’s landed some eye-catching shots. No idea how the judges are going to score this fight.

Round 9

Same story. Back and forth, both fighters having some success. Marshall might be edging these rounds because she’s pushing the action, she’s the one moving forward. That is often rewarded.

Round 8

Tough round to score. Both fighters threw punches from beginning to end. And both had similar success. This fight has become difficult to score. It will be interesting to see how the judges score it.

Round 7

The body language is favoring Marshall. She’s pushing Shields backward, pounding her against the ropes. Shields is fighting back — with some success — but Marshall is just relentless right now.

Round 6

Good round for Marshall. She imposed herself on Shields, who resorted to holding several times. Marshall is still throwing a lot of punches, which might be getting to Shields. Still, the round was competitive.

Round 5

Great toe-to-toe action that round, with both fighters throwing nonstop. Both of them had their moments but I still think Shields is landing the crisper, more damaging shots. That was a close round, though.

Round 4

Shields continues to get the better of exchanges but Marshall might be compensating by throwing a high volume of punches. She’s still all over Shields. Shields is handling the pressure well, though.

Round 3

Somewhat better round for Marshall, who’s trying to smother Shields in punches. And she’s landing some. Shields wasn’t quite as active but she still landed some clean, eye-catching shots. Close round.

Round 2

Another good round for Shields. She’s outboxing Marshall and landed the more accurate, cleaner shots. Marshall is busy but I’m not sure how many of her punches are landing. She did connect on one good right hand early.

Round 1

Big round for Shields. Neither fighter did much for the first minute and then Shields exploded, throwing a barrage of hard shots. Many landed. Marshall took them well. And the Briton bounced back to finish the round strong.

***

Here we go.

Marshall is in the ring. Huge support from her home-country fans. Shields is making her walk to boos.

***

Alycia Baumgardner defeated Mikaela Mayer by a split decision to unify three of the four 130-pound titles.

Two judges had the same score, 96-95 for Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs). The third judge had Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) winning 97-93.

You can read a full Baumgardner-Mayer report here.

***

The Mikaela Mayer-Alycia Baumgardner co-feature is next up in London. The fighters are making their way to the ring.

***

Amateur rivals Claressa Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) and Savannah Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) will fight for the undisputed middleweight championship Saturday at O2 Arena in London (ESPN+).

Also, Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) will face Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) in a junior lightweight title-unification bout.

The card will begin at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Boxing Junkie will post results of the featured bouts on the card immediately after they end. Simply return to this post when the time comes.

Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the night of the fight and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=33354,33292,33285]

Video and photos: Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall make weight for Saturday’s fight

Video and photos: Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall on Friday made weight for their fight Saturday in London.

Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall on Friday made weight for their long-awaited middleweight showdown Saturday at O2 Arena in London (ESPN+).

Both fighters weighed in at 159.3 pounds, one pound below the division limit.

Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) and Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) will be fighting for the undisputed 160-pound championship.

Marshall, of England, is the only fighter to have beaten her American counterpart — amateur or pro. She outpointed a 17-year-old Shields in the 2012 AIBA Women’s Boxing championships.

Also, in another featured bout, Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) and Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) made weight for their junior lightweight title-unification bout. They both weighed 129.1, .9 below the limit.

Here are images from the weigh-in. All photos by Mark Robinson of Top Rank via Getty Images.

Claressa Shields (left) and Savannah Marshall. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

 

Claressa Shields (left) and Savannah Marshall. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

 

Mikaela Mayer (left) and Alycia Baumgardner. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

 

Mikaela Mayer (left) and Alycia Baumgardner. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

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Video and photos: Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall make weight for Saturday’s fight

Video and photos: Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall on Friday made weight for their fight Saturday in London.

Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall on Friday made weight for their long-awaited middleweight showdown Saturday at O2 Arena in London (ESPN+).

Both fighters weighed in at 159.3 pounds, one pound below the division limit.

Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) and Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) will be fighting for the undisputed 160-pound championship.

Marshall, of England, is the only fighter to have beaten her American counterpart — amateur or pro. She outpointed a 17-year-old Shields in the 2012 AIBA Women’s Boxing championships.

Also, in another featured bout, Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) and Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) made weight for their junior lightweight title-unification bout. They both weighed 129.1, .9 below the limit.

Here are images from the weigh-in. All photos by Mark Robinson of Top Rank via Getty Images.

Claressa Shields (left) and Savannah Marshall. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

 

Claressa Shields (left) and Savannah Marshall. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

 

Mikaela Mayer (left) and Alycia Baumgardner. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

 

Mikaela Mayer (left) and Alycia Baumgardner. Mark Robinson / Top Rank Inc via Getty Images

[lawrence-related id=33292,33285,32563]