Alycia Baumgardner is the new IBF, WBC, and WBO women’s super featherweight champion after she inflicted the first defeat of Mikaela Mayer’s career at the O2 Arena in London.
After ten close rounds, Baumgardner was awarded the win via a split decision in a fight that had split many fans and experts within boxing.
Baumgardner looked to take control of the center of the ring in the first round, but while she attempted to land some shots, Mayer used her extra height to keep Baumgardner at range and establish her jab.
It was roles reversed in the second as Mayer held the center of the ring and looked to force Baumgardner back onto the ropes, but Baumgardner wasn’t going to make it that easy and instead threw several left hands with success.
With the fight level after two rounds, it was evident that this was going to be a close fight, but it was Mayer who went on to dominate. Her jab continued to be effective, and Baumgardner was struggling to muster any response and land the power punches, which she is notorious for.
In round seven, Baumgardner found her way back into the fight as blood began to run down the right eye of Mayer following an accidental clash of heads. Baumgardner took advantage and spent two rounds landing combinations of her own, with Mayer being drawn into her trap.
The final two rounds saw Mayer revert back to what she did best in the opening stages, establishing her jab and keeping Baumgardner at bay as it looked like the 28-year-old would need a knockout or stoppage to claim the IBF and WBO super featherweight belts.
When the contest came to an end, there was a contrast of emotions in both corners. Baumgardner was confident she had secured the win while there were reserved celebrations in Mayer’s corner after what had been a grueling fight.
Some boos were heard in the O2 Arena after Baumgardner was awarded the win via a split decision, with two judges scoring the fight 96-95 in her favor while one judge scored it 97-93 to Mayer.
Baumgardner was quick to shut down any hopes of a rematch in her post-fight interview and is instead focused on becoming the undisputed women’s super featherweight champion.
After what had been a thrilling build-up, Mayer and Baumgardner delivered an entertaining and tense fight which will be the topic of discussion between fans for days to come. It’s just a pity there will not be a second installment in the near future of a rivalry that the sport needs and thrives on.