Alycia Baumgardner and Mikaela Mayer Fight on Social Media Over Top Dog Status
The feud between unified junior lightweight champ Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs? and WBC 130 pound champion Alycia Baumgardner (12-0, 7KOs) seems to be intensifying with each passing fight. On April 16, Baumgardner successfully defended the WBC title with an easy decision win over Edith Soledad Matthysse in Manchester, England. Following the victory, Baumgardner was asked about Mayer. While the WBC champ said she is down, she said that Mayer must understand a few things first.
PLAY YOUR POSITION
“Mikaela needs to understand that she does need me if she wants my title. And again, that’s taking a leap of faith in coming over this way, proving herself and I know that she’ll come up short. Prove who you are. I’m the top dog at 130. You need me more than I need you.”
In Coventry, England, providing ringside commentary for BOXXER’s lightweight tournament series, Mayer heard what was said and responded. She claims that Baumgardner’s comments are silly, and she threatened to move up in weight. This set off a series of back-and-forth messages between the two champions on social media.
WHO HAS THE FINANCIAL POWER?
The crux of their issues seems to be who the A-side is. With her two world titles in the division and just re-signing a multi-year deal with Top Rank that will earn over seven figures, Mayer sees herself as the queen at 130.
Baumgardner rose to prominence when she stopped Terri Harper to capture the WBC belt in November 2021. She has since signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. Signed to the Ford Models and being sponsored by Adidas, her handlers see the 27-year-old being a star inside and outside the ring. Another factor is timing. Baumgardner wants a fight with WBA champ Hyun Mi Choi this summer, then Mayer either later this year or early 2023.
The unified champ is far less patient. She wants a match with Baumgardner ASAP. If that doesn’t happen soon, she has more than once hinted at a move up to lightweight to challenge the winner of the April 30 showdown between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
Fans have their fingers crossed that all parties can come together and hammer out a deal. Mayer-Baumgardner is the high-profile, big money fight in the division.
Ultimately, sum this up as a battle of egos. In order for this junior lightweight unification to happen, someone has to capitulate in some form or fashion. That’s just the way it is in this sport. There are only a few big-money matchups in women’s boxing, and this would be one of them. It would be a shame if it never takes place.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
