Explosive Animosity: Mikaela Mayer vs. Alycia Baumgardner – HERstory

By: Kirk Jackson

The fight between rivals finally commences this weekend, as the two champions, Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KO’s) and Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KO’s) meet in a unification bout for the collective WBC, WBO, IBF and The Ring super featherweight titles.

Both fighters respectively, are presently in their primes or entering the beginning stages of it. Both Baumgardner and Mayer are young, vibrant and explosive; these attributes apply in and outside the ring.

This is important, as this fight is another step forward for featuring female athletes on the grand stage and not only acknowledging but giving these athletes their proper due.

Along with Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall, Seniesa Estrada, Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor and many others, they are the torchbearers for women’s boxing progressing forward.

Far as in the ring ability, Baumgardner is regarded as the quintessential boxer; fast hands, swift of foot with great lateral mobility, great upper body movement and overall defense, sharp counterpuncher.

Mayer more so will come forward and bring hell to her opponents every round. Leading off with solid, stiff jabs, the Olympian mounts forward, imposes her will and comprehensively breaks down her opponents.

For more on Mayer’s journey, also check out: Undeterred: Mikaela Mayer and Her Mission Towards the Top – RELOADED – The Scope Network

One of the great things about this match-up, not only the clash of styles, but the clash of personalities. They both obviously want to be the best and there’s only room for one.

Based on all of the interviews and build-up for this bout, the animosity between the two is real and typically that adds more spice and intensity to the actual fight.

Winner of this historic fight stands on top of the super featherweight division, leaving South Korea’s Hyun Mi Choi (18-0-1, 4 KO’s) as the only missing piece to the championship puzzle (Choi is the WBA champion).

Depending on what transpires, a rematch could be at play if not Choi, or possibly a crack at one of the stars in the higher weight classes, Katie Taylor (21-0, 6 KO’s).

“I’ve always wanted a fight with Katie,” Mayer told The Independent. “It didn’t happen in the amateurs, we only lined up for a few tournaments. Queen (Quanitta Underwood) was in my space, she went up against her multiple times, I ended up beating Queen and taking over her spot. Everybody wants to fight Katie; it’s the big money fight and she’s the one to beat. But I feel like I’m next in line for that fight.”

“I have unified these belts, getting past Baumgardner would make me the next big name for her. She only wants big names too, I feel like I’m the next big challenge for her. I have every intention of going up to 135lbs, I’d love to become undisputed at 130 and finish what I’ve started. But I’m only going for the big fights. We’ll go to Ireland to do it.”

Baumgardner has different plans, however.

When speaking of the match-up with Mayer, “It doesn’t matter, I know what my assignment is, that’s to beat her,” the Ohio native said.

“You’re going to see a fight,” said Baumgardner. “I know she has an amateur style, so she’s going to be on her bicycle the whole time. For me, it’s going to about cutting the ring off and it means throwing my punches in bunches. If she wants to come forward, we can make this a dog fight. I’m here to put her on the canvas and make sure that she doesn’t get up. With this fight, you’re going to see someone getting stopped.”

Looks like we’re in for a treat.