Alycia Baumgardner Says Mikaela Mayer Rematch Possible Later
Reigning women’s junior lightweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs) is preparing for her upcoming bout against Elhem Mekhaled (15-1, 3 KOs) on February 4 for undisputed status. But when the topic turns to ex-unified junior lightweight champion, Mikaela Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs), Baumgardner is always ready to give her opinion on her bitter rival.
It’s no secret that Mayer desperately wants a rematch with Baumgardner. After initially dismissing the notion, The Bomb seems open to a rematch down the road.
SETTING THE CONDITIONS
During an interview with Sky Sports, the 28-year-old went in-depth about the possibility of running it back with Mayer. According to Baumgardner, if they fight again, it will be on her terms.
“I know Mikaela would love a rematch; that could be something down the line. But right now, I hold the cards. I would say take some humble pie, regain yourself, do what you got to do, and maybe we’ll meet in the end.
You can’t go back to the scorecards. They raised my hand that night. I became unified. But we keep pushing forward. There’s so much more to do in the sport, and as a fighter, and I will continue to be that light for women’s boxing.”
They fought in October 2022 in London, England. Baumgardner won by a split decision. Her goal is to handle her business against Mekhaled and become the undisputed champ.
IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
Mayer’s next appearance in the ring will be against the only woman to defeat Baumgardner as a pro, Christina Linardatou (14-2, 6 KOs), in a lightweight contest. Should Baumgardner defeat Mekhaled and collect all the belts at 130, what more to accomplish in the division? Ex-long-reining WBA champion Hyun-Mi Choi could be a future option. However, how many fans are urging for that fight at this point?
In that division, Baumgardner – Mayer II is the best and biggest money-making fight. It could well be the case that for Baumgardner, her decision is more than just about being undisputed. It ultimately could be about getting the right offer for the right amount of cash to make it worth her while. Whatever the case, followers of women’s boxing will be on alert, wondering if they will ever see them go toe-to-toe again.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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