Ryan to defend WBO title against Mayer in New York

Britain's Sandy Ryan will defend her WBO welterweight title against American Mikaela Mayer in New York on 27 September.

The bout at the Madison Square Garden Theater will be Ryan's third title defence and the second time she has put her belt on the line in the US.

Ryan, who has only lost once in nine fights, said she wanted to let her "boxing do the talking" against Mayer.

"It's the perfect moment in my career, and I'm looking forward to successfully defending my world title," she said.

"I can promise that on a level playing field, nobody is taking this belt from me.

"Mayer has had an awful lot to say about me and this fight, and I'm sure she will continue to do so, but I'm an athlete and a professional."

The last time Derby's Ryan fought in the USA she was denied the chance to unify the division in a controversial draw with Jessica McCaskill.

"Mikaela Mayer always wants to fight the best, and Sandy Ryan is an elite welterweight," Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said.

"These are the two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and the winner will stake her claim as the pre-eminent 147-pounder."

Mayer is a former unified world champion at super-featherweight but has had mixed fortunes since moving up in weight.

Her last outing was a controversial points loss to IBF welterweight champion Natasha Jonas in Liverpool in January.

However, Mayer has just two defeats on her record - to Jonas and American rival Alycia Baumgardner.

The 34-year-old has contested her past four fights in the UK and fights on home soil for the first time since 2022.