Mikaela Mayer to Face Former Featherweight Champion Jennifer Han April 9
It looks as if Mikaela Mayer (16-0, 5 KOs) is soon to make her return to the ring. According to ESPN, the female unified junior lightweight champion will put her titles on the line against former women’s world featherweight champion Jennifer Han (18-4-1, 1 KO) on April 9.
SHOOTING FOR GREATNESS
Mayer won the women’s 130-pound title with a decision win over Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. Following a defense of that title, she faced IBF champion Maiva Hamadouche in November of 2021. From the opening bell, Mayer and Hamadouche went to war in one of the best fights of that year, with Mayer having her hand raised in victory. Unfortunately, the fight left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans who felt the scores went too wide in her favor.
With that experience behind her, the 31-year-old has hopes of even bigger goals in 2022. She strongly desires a unification showdown with bitter rival and WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner. Instead, she faces Han, who is a very accomplished veteran.
NO PUSHOVER
The 38-year-old won the IBF female featherweight title by defeating Helen Joseph in September 2015. After four defenses, she decided to vacate the belt in July of 2020 with hopes of more glory. In September of 2021, she fought and lost to current undisputed women’s world lightweight champion Katie Taylor.
With her advantages in height and technique, the defending champ is the pre-fight favorite. But the challenger is durable and very tough. In what may be her last title shot, she will surely put it all on the line. As of this writing, a location for this upcoming match has yet to be announced. As always, stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for further updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
