The dust has barely settled on the thrilling October 15th O2 Arena card, but the boxing world is already buzzing with speculation about what’s next for some of women’s boxing’s most prominent figures. Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner delivered a Fight of the Year contender, a unification bout that saw Baumgardner emerge victorious, adding Mayer’s IBF and WBO super featherweight belts to her WBC title. Their intense rivalry and the razor-thin split decision have left fans clamoring for a rematch, a sentiment both fighters have openly expressed. However, the super featherweight division is deep, and other compelling matchups loom large for both champions.
For Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs), a rematch with Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs) is undoubtedly her top priority to reclaim her unified status. Her dominant run prior to the Baumgardner loss, which included defenses against Maiva Hamadouche and Jennifer Han, solidified her as a top pound-for-pound contender. Should a direct rematch not materialize immediately, Mayer could explore other options within the super featherweight division, perhaps targeting the WBA champion Hyun Mi Choi, or even considering a move up to lightweight for new challenges. Her skill set and fan appeal ensure she won’t be out of the spotlight for long, regardless of her next opponent.
Meanwhile, Baumgardner, now the unified WBC, IBF, and WBO super featherweight champion, has solidified her position as a dominant force. Her explosive power and aggressive style make her a must-watch fighter. While a rematch with Mayer is a highly anticipated prospect, Baumgardner also has other avenues to explore. A potential showdown with fellow unified champion Chantelle Cameron (17-0, 8 KOs) at junior welterweight, as suggested by some, would be a monumental clash of styles and a true test of pound-for-pound supremacy. Cameron, who recently unified the super lightweight division by defeating Jessica McCaskill, presents a formidable challenge with her relentless pressure and high work rate. The possibilities for these elite athletes are endless, promising more captivating nights for women’s boxing.
Originally reported by ESPN