Sandy Ryan Seeks Rematch After Mayer’s Title Win
Sandy Ryan called for an immediate rematch after Mikaela Mayer beat her by majority decision for the WBO welterweight title in New York on September 27, 2024. The bout followed a red-paint attack on Ryan outside her hotel. Ryan alleged that people connected with Mayer’s team were involved; Mayer denied it. The fighters later met again, and Mayer won their March 2025 rematch by unanimous decision.
Mayer won the first fight
Ryan entered the Madison Square Garden Theater as WBO champion, but the judges awarded Mayer a majority decision. Ryan disputed the result and said she believed she had done enough to keep the belt. The decision itself was official; arguments about the scoring were opinion. ESPN’s event report recorded Mayer as the winner and new champion.
What was known about the paint attack
Before the fight, an unidentified person threw red paint on Ryan as she left her hotel. Ryan said she believed someone from Mayer’s camp was responsible and later reported that police were investigating the attack, leaflets and threatening messages. Mayer and her team denied involvement and welcomed an investigation. The available reporting did not establish who carried out the attack, so the accusation should not be treated as a finding. Sky Sports summarized both sides’ statements and the police inquiry.
The rematch happened in 2025
Mayer and Ryan met again on March 29, 2025, in Las Vegas. Mayer won by unanimous decision and retained the WBO welterweight title. That result answered the immediate sporting question of a rematch, though it did not establish who was responsible for the earlier paint attack. ESPN’s rematch report covered the second fight; BBC Sport also reported the result.
The record in context
The September 2024 contest produced two separate stories: a disputed title result and a troubling incident before the fighters reached the venue. Keeping those claims distinct matters. Mayer won both bouts in the ring; the identity of the person who threw paint was not established in the reporting cited here.
Sources and further reporting: ESPN: first bout result; Sky Sports: incident, allegations and denials; ESPN: 2025 rematch; BBC Sport: 2025 rematch.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
