Mikaela Mayer kicks out at Alycia Baumgardner at fiery weigh-in for unification fight
The IBF and WBO world champion reacted angrily after a face-off for tomorrow night’s unification fight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mikaela Mayer kicked out at Alycia Baumgardner as tensions spilled over for the final time before the women get in the ring.
The IBF and WBO super-featherweight world champion reacted after the weigh-in for her unification fight against her compatriot, who holds the WBC belt.
The pair have sniped at each other throughout the build-up to Saturday’s fight, which acts as the chief support to Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall at The O2.
The winner will immediately rocket up the pound-for-pound rankings, likely closing in on a top-three place, while also positioning them to step up in weight for a mega fight against Katie Taylor.
Tensions have simmered throughout with Baumgardner goading the Olympian for being “spoilt” and “entitled” given her status as a Top Rank fighter.
Both fighters made weight at 9st 3lbs 5oz before Baumgardner appeared to push Mayer, prompting a feisty reaction.
“I didn’t have any arms because I had three belts, so I used my leg,” Mayer told Sky Sports. “All this talk about struggling to make weight is a reflection of what’s going on with this girl.
“She spends too much time in the weight room, she’s struggling. She has to knock me out, she knows that, it’s the only way she’s going to win.
“I’m going to out-box her, she thinks she’s a good boxer but she’s never been in there with somebody like me.”
Mikaela Mayer vs Alycia Baumgardner is live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Showcase on Saturday, coverage starts from 7.30pm
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments