Photo Credits to Mikey Williams/Top Rank
It was obvious from the outset in the first round that undefeated Mikaela Mayer (13-0 5 KO's) was on a mission as she used her length and outstanding boxing skills to keep Helen Joseph (17-6-2, 10 KOs) at the end of numerous jabs and right hands.
Even with her head trainer, Al Mitchell in her corner, who tested positive for Covid-19, she didn't miss a step, and she wasn't crying about it either. In interviews before the fight, when she spoke of Al Mitchell, she spoke with confidence as a professional boxer should.
It was thought that it was going to be a tough fight for Mayer against the veteran Joseph, who had challenged for three previous world titles and who had said before the fight that she was going to knock Mayer out. But after the first half of the fight, Mayer was in complete control and Joseph could not get on the inside.
It seemed that Joseph was always one step behind, and as much as she tried to put the pressure on to land that one big shot, Mayer continued to land her jab and numerous combinations.
History was made at the MGM Grand "Bubble" in Las Vegas although it was not in front of a live crowd as Mayer became the first female main event on Top Rank and ESPN history. An accolade that she will remember for the rest of her life.
At times, Joseph was able to land a few shots on Mayer, but none were of any significance and Mayer made her pay for them with counter punches to the head of her opponent.
And after the fight, to her surprise, Top Rank's president Bob Arum said "Great fight," and that the next one will be for the title."
This is befitting for Mayer, who has been boxing for the last nine years, from being a Golden Gloves champion, USA Boxing National Champion, the 2016 Olympic Trials Champion and current NABF Female Super Featherweight champion.
The undefeated Mayer is a fresh change for women's boxing because she really knows the sweet science and isn't afraid to mix it up when challenged in the ring. She will be America's next big thing in women's boxing and a world champion in 2020.
