More than ten years after first hearing each other’s names in the amateur ranks, Mikaela Mayer and Mary Spencer are set to finally share the ring. The pair will collide on Thursday night at Casino de Montreal, with three world titles at 154lbs on the line.
Mayer, of Woodland Hills, California, and Spencer, of Montreal, Canada, both represented their countries at the Olympics - Mayer at Rio 2016, Spencer at London 2012. Though separated by weight divisions during their amateur years, their careers have now converged at a pivotal moment in women’s boxing. “She was the it girl back in the amateurs,” said Mayer. “Those are the type of names I want to add to my résumé. We got the fight done, so I’m happy to be here.”
The 40-year-old Spencer, the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion, enters as the underdog despite holding home advantage. “I know I’m the underdog according to the bookies, but they get it wrong often,” Spencer said. “I don’t feel like an underdog. I feel like this fight is a gift. The next opponent was going to be in trouble, whoever that was — and now it’s Mikaela.”
For Mayer the jump to 154 is part of her quest for undisputed glory. “My goal is to go undisputed. I couldn’t get that fight with Lauren Price at 147, so when Mary Spencer’s name came up, I said, ‘Let’s go to 154.’ Skills pay the bills - size doesn’t win fights.”
Spencer, who has won three straight and defended her title in April against Ogleidis Suarez, believes calmness will be key. “The key to victory is being myself and staying comfortable in the ring,” she said.
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Image Credit: The Ring