Mikaela Mayer Sets Sights on unifying Welterweight Championship Against Lauren Price
Mikaela Mayer remains steadfast in her belief that a unification bout for the undisputed welterweight world title against Lauren Price will come to fruition, even if it requires more patience than originally expected.
Building Momentum Amidst Delays
Addressing the postponement of their anticipated clash, Mayer sent a pointed message to Price: every moment of waiting only sharpens her skills. “The longer lauren hesitates,the more I improve,” Mayer declared. “She shouldn’t underestimate how much stronger and more refined I’m becoming with time.”
Champions’ Current Standing and Recent Triumphs
Mayer currently holds the WBO welterweight belt after decisively defending it against Sandy Ryan in their rematch-a fight that followed an earlier narrow majority decision loss to former IBF champion Natasha Jonas.Their initial bout was notably disrupted by an unexpected paint attack incident, but Mayer’s subsequent victory reaffirmed her championship status.
On the other side, Lauren Price has recently unified three major titles-the WBC, IBF, and WBA-by delivering a commanding performance over Natasha Jonas at London’s Royal Albert Hall. This achievement sets up a natural progression toward unifying all four major belts in women’s welterweight boxing through a showdown with Mayer.
Scheduling Challenges Ahead
The eagerly awaited unification fight faces logistical hurdles that may push it into late 2024. While july was initially considered ideal due to both fighters’ recent activity, September or October now appears more feasible according to Price’s latest comments. She remains hopeful about finalizing details soon and aims for three fights within this calendar year.
Divergent Fighting Styles and Experience Levels
An Olympic gold medalist who has shown remarkable resilience as a professional boxer so far, Lauren Price retains many characteristics from her amateur background-a factor Mikaela believes could be strategically targeted. “Price still trains with Team GB,” said Mayer. “Her approach is deeply rooted in amateur boxing; she fights left-handed and depends heavily on footwork and movement.”
Mayer contrasts this by emphasizing her evolution into a fully professional style supported by extensive ring experience: “I’ve embraced my pro style completely; my confidence is at its highest along with my physical condition.” She added that closing distance effectively against elusive opponents like Price has become one of her strongest assets-something she expects will be crucial when they finally meet inside the ring.
If Plans Stall: Choice Paths Forward
- “Even though Jonas struggled against Lauren,” Mayer noted, “I’d welcome another prospect to avenge my previous loss.”
- “other top contenders such as Chantelle Cameron remain viable options if negotiations prove difficult.”
The Ultimate Ambition: Becoming Undisputed Champion
mayer’s foremost objective is clear-to claim undisputed status by overcoming Lauren Price. “Extended breaks aren’t part of my plan; we’ll do whatever it takes,” says Mayer.“But defeating Lauren stands above all else.” This accomplishment would not only fulfill personal goals but also open doors for high-profile bouts offering significant financial rewards while cementing legacy within women’s boxing history.
“To go undisputed means completing what I started-it would be immensely rewarding.” – Mikaela Mayer
The Rising Popularity of Women’s Welterweight Boxing in 2024
This potential title unification highlights broader growth trends across women’s boxing globally-with viewership surging over 30% year-over-year according to recent sports data-and increasing prize money attracting elite athletes worldwide.
A prime example occurred last month when rising star Jessica McCaskill headlined a sold-out event at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, demonstrating how female bouts are gaining mainstream attention comparable to male events just years ago.
