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Andreas Hale
A former champion in two weight divisions, Mikaela Mayer seized the title of unified champion in the 154-pound class through a definitive, unanimous decision win against WBA titleholder Mary Spencer on Thursday night. This victory secured her the vacant WBC and WBO titles.
The contest was the main attraction of a Top Rank event held at Casino de Montreal, situated in Montreal.
Mayer (sporting a record of 22-2, with 5 KOs) took command from the outset, showcasing unrelenting aggression and remarkable stamina. Spencer (holding a record of 10-3, with 6 KOs) struggled to respond, even with her natural size advantage, and primarily resorted to attempting counter-attacks. Her attempts to hinder Mayer’s progress proved unsuccessful. One judge awarded Mayer a perfect score of 100-90, while the remaining two judges scored the match 98-92.
Oshae Jones is the current holder of the IBF title. Should Mayer choose to aim for undisputed status in the junior middleweight division, she could challenge Jones. Alternatively, she could revert to the welterweight class and pursue Lauren Price, the holder of three belts.
“I believe the most crucial aspect is that I possess multiple avenues,” Mayer commented. “I regained my focus after a challenging couple of years. I would be delighted to pursue both options: dropping to 147 to achieve undisputed status and defending my title at 154. I consider myself a natural fit for the 147-pound division. … I am capable of managing both.”
Mayer transitioned to junior middleweight after previously holding titles in the super featherweight and welterweight categories. After an initial streak of 17-0, which culminated in unifying the super featherweight title, she experienced a setback in a highly anticipated unification bout against Alycia Baumgardner in 2022. Mayer rebounded with two victories in the lightweight division in 2023, but faced a narrow defeat against Natasha Jonas in her first attempt to claim welterweight gold. She ultimately secured a world title in the welterweight division by defeating Sandy Ryan for the WBO title in September 2024 and successfully defending it in a rematch in March.
With her move up in weight again, it was anticipated that Mayer might encounter difficulties against the naturally larger Spencer. However, Mayer swiftly embraced the role of the aggressor, operating effectively behind her jab and relentlessly pushing forward with her offensive maneuvers. Spencer opted to fight defensively, aiming to counter with her right hand.
Mayer, aged 35, maintained a higher activity level, advancing forward and surprising Spencer with her attacks in the opening rounds. While Spencer managed to land some impactful right hands, she was unable to alleviate the pressure imposed by Mayer.
Spencer, aged 40, displayed her most effective performance in Round 5, picking off Mayer with right hands and connecting with a powerful uppercut. However, Mayer demonstrated resilience, easily absorbing Spencer’s power.
Mayer regained her rhythm in the subsequent round and overwhelmed Spencer with her offensive onslaught. In Round 8, Mayer broke through, landing a direct right hand on Spencer that appeared to momentarily stun her opponent. Mayer persisted in delivering combinations to Spencer in Round 9, with a right hand disrupting her composure. The relentless assault continued into the final round, with Mayer concluding the match impressively, forcefully delivering power shots to Spencer until the final bell sounded.
