The Rivalry Continues: Mayer vs. Ryan Rematch Preview

The boxing world eagerly anticipates the ESPN+ main event this Saturday night as WBO welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) defends her title against bitter rival Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch of their September 2024 classic that saw Mayer win by razor-thin majority decision (97-93, 96-94, 95-95).

Fight Night Details

• Date/Time: Saturday, March 29 @ 10 PM ET (ESPN/ESPN+)
• Prelims Start: 7 PM ET (ESPN+)
• Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

• Tale of the Tape:	Fighter	Age	Height	Reach	Stance	Record
  Mayer	34	5'9"	66.5"	Orthodox	20-2 (5 KOs)
  Ryan	31	5'8½"	67.5"	Orthodox	7-2-1 (3 KOs)

The Controversial First Encounter

Their September bout produced fireworks both in and out of the ring:

• Ryan was splattered with red paint while leaving her hotel pre-fight (allegedly by Mayer's camp)
• Trainer drama as Kay Koroma switched from Mayer to Ryan before the first fight
• 186-185 total punches landed (Mayer edged by just one punch)
• Mayer landed 39 power body shots (10 more than Ryan)

Expert Breakdown: Hall of Famer Al Bernstein's Analysis

Keys to Victory:

For Mayer:

• Control distance with jab & footwork
• Maintain volume punching advantage
• Avoid being trapped on ropes
• Win early rounds decisively

For Ryan:

• Start faster than first fight
• Cut off the ring effectively
• Focus on body attack
• Score cleaner, more visible punches for judges

"This is a true 50-50 fight," Bernstein noted. "Mayer's movement and combinations versus Ryan's power and physicality. That first fight was 2024's Fight of the Year candidate - I expect nothing less this time."

Former Champion EC's Inside Perspective

Former two-division champ Erica Anabella Farias (fought both women) reveals:

• Mayer's timing and late-round surges will be crucial
• Ryan must control emotions and stick to gameplan
• Judges favor Mayer's cleaner, more technical work
• Predicts Mayer by decision in another close contest

"When Mayer smells blood, she turns up the pressure brilliantly," Farias observed. "Ryan hits harder but wastes energy when frustrated. That's the champion's advantage."

Betting Insights (via ESPN's Ian Parker)

Recommended Bets:

• Mayer by decision (+160)
• Fight goes over 9.5 rounds (-150)
• Ryan to win rounds 1-3 (+120)

"At these odds," Parker noted, "Mayer presents value. Her championship experience and ring generalship should prove decisive over 10 rounds."

Co-Main Event Preview: Zepeda vs. Farmer II

The Cancun lightweight showdown features:

• Zepeda (-750 favorite) defending WBA title
• Farmer looking to avenge split decision loss
• Parker's pick: Over 10.5 rounds (-170)

How to Watch

Full card airs live on ESPN/ESPN+ starting at 7 PM ET with the main event expected around 10 PM ET. International viewers can stream via ESPN Player.