Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II Predictions: Boxing skill, ill will and a dry cleaning bill

Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan take their deeply personal beef into the ring once again on Saturday, March 29 for the WBO welterweight championship. The rematch takes place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Sky Sports will broadcast the action live.

Here are my Mayer vs Ryan predictions ahead of this emotionally-charged rematch.

Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II Odds

Take your pick here. Both Mayer and Ryan are 19/20 to win this closely-contested bout. The draw, certainly worth eyeing when a fight is this evenly-matched, is 12/1.

Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II Fight Preview

First, let’s cover the sporting history between these two elite welters. Mayer outpointed Ryan to claim the Brit’s WBO championship in September of last year. The majority decision reflected the nip-and-tuck nature of the fight. Both boxers were hurt in a thrilling encounter that truly could have gone either way.

This rematch is warranted even if you were just basing it on the excitement and competitiveness of their first outing. But Mayer and Ryan’s enmity runs deep and the two fighters want another piece of each other for far more personal reasons.

The mutual distaste began when Mayer alleged that Ryan had stolen her trainer. It is true that the British boxer is now working with ‘Coach Kay’ Koroma, who guided Mayer’s career for eight years. Ryan denies that any direct “stealing” of the trainer went on and states that Mayer chose to leave Koroma’s guidance.

As if that gym drama was not enough, Ryan had red paint thrown over her by a mystery assailant outside her hotel as she was preparing to head to Madison Square Garden. Ryan has alleged that Mayer’s team were responsible, a fact that the champion denies. Ryan has opened up about how the incident unsettled her ahead of the fight.

This bout has all the ingredients. Two women who we know are a great stylistic match for each other between the ropes. Personal issues galore that elevate this above your usual world title fight. This is a fascinating dynamic and it feels legitimate. In a world of manufactured Misfits Boxing histrionics, this contest stands head and shoulders above.

But what of the actual fight? Ultimately ‘Coach Kay’ can’t fight for Sandy. Mikaela can’t bring a can and a brush in the ring. This will come down to two world champions, one reigning and one dethroned, putting their educated fists to the test.

An extra element of spice here is the possibility that Lauren Price could be watching from ringside. The Welsh superstar recently unified the WBC, WBO, IBF and The Ring titles at welterweight by out-scoring Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall. There is a better-than-good chance that Price will be ringside to campaign for an undisputed title fight with Saturday’s victor.

A chance to settle the rivalry. An opportunity to regain or retain the WBO welterweight championship. A possible date with destiny against Price for the undisputed title. It really is all to play for in Las Vegas, a place where high-level gambles are won and lost. Which of these elite fighters is prepared to roll the dice?

Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II Full Card

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Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan II Prediction

Tough one to call this. Mayer’s speed gave Ryan problems, particularly early on. But as their first fight went on, Ryan’s power started to get to Mayer.

This could go either way but I feel like Mayer takes it again, probably winning a couple more rounds this time. I think the American star will watch the first fight back and pick out what worked. Her back-foot boxing and hand-speed are the key. Keep Ryan off, judge the distance, pick up the win. Mayer on points at 5/4.

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