Madison Square Garden has been the main stage for many boxing’s greatest sagas. The roar of the crowd on the night Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed for the first time still echoes throughout Manhattan. Fans are still buzzing about Katie Taylor’s epic win against Amanda Serrano in one of the most highly-anticipated women’s boxing events in history. The house that Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Walt Frazier, and Willis Reed built is incapable of producing dramas that don’t leave fans begging for a sequel. Tonight, the legacy continues.
To say Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan don’t like each other wouldn’t be a lie, but it would be a half truth. They hate each other. Fortunately, they’ll have the opportunity to settle their differences in the ring as they both vie for the WBO Welterweight Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday, September 27.
Mayer, a former unified super featherweight champion, is still filled with resent for Ryan after the WBO Welterweight Champion moved to the U.S. and sought the expertise of Mayer’s coach, Kay Karoma. A year later, Ryan is reportedly working with Karom while Mayer and Karoma have gone their separate ways. However, the build up to this fight doesn’t entirely revolve around Karoma and his coaching preferences. In fact, it’s much bigger than one man. It’s about two women looking to gain control of their careers as they move further away from their 20s.
Mayer, a 34-year-old former Olympian from California, is considered one of the most dynamic fighters in women’s boxing, but her skill hasn’t been enough to earn victories against unified super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner or IBF Welterweight Champion Natasha Jonas. While a loss wouldn’t end Mayer’s chance at another title fight, it would definitely derail it.
On the opposite side of the ring, Mayer’s opponent, Sandy Ryan, enters the ring with an opportunity to position herself for a major fight in the near future. Beating Mayer would put the WBO Welterweight Champion in position for showdowns with Natasha Jonas, Lauren Price or even Chantelle Cameron. Not to mention, winning in convincing fashion on ESPN would boost her presence in the U.S., a nation she’s only had the chance to fight in once before.
Mayer. Ryan. Friday. The Garden. Who will come out on top? Follow our live blog for updates, reactions and more.
Rohan Polanco vs. Marcelino Nicolas Lopez
Division: Super Lightweight
Record(s): Rohan Polanco — 13-0 | Marcelino Nicolas Lopez — 37-4-1
Betting Odds: N/A
Timeline Talk
This Rohan Polanco kid looks pretty good. #toprank has the best eye in the business for up and comers. ???
— Mr Tomato Can ?? (@GodinezOmar) September 27, 2024
Rohan Polanco is a special talent good #boxer I Will say even great #rya
— Kike (@Kike41737335) September 27, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
Rohan Polanco is a real guy.
— LukieBoxing (@LukieBoxing) September 27, 2024
Rohan Polanco is just spectacular to watch. Barely gets hit and lands mean hard shots #Boxing
— Broadway Joel ?? (@_BroadwayJoel) September 27, 2024
Lot to like with Rohan Polanco. Can punch, can box, can move. Well schooled. I’d love to see a battle of undefeated Top Rank prospects at 140 between Polanco and Lindolfo Delgado.
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) September 27, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
As a rising prospect with an unblemished record, you may hope to fight on the televised portion of a card at Madison Square Garden. Still, Rohan Polanco made the most of it. The promising former Olympian from the Dominican Republican had a cohort of fans from New York City on their feet for the majority of the scheduled 10-round bout. After a somewhat uneventful first round, the now 14-fight veteran began to let his hands go and he landed at will. While one could say that too many of his landed power shots were at or below the belt line, his speed, power and precision were on full display as he sent his opponent, Marcelino Lopez, to the canvas for the first four times in his 18-year career. Moving forward, Polanco will need to decide whether or not he wants to stay at super lightweight or move up to welterweight. Either way, he appears to be turning into a future problem for contenders in either division.
Result: Polanco def. Lopez (TKO, 6)
Delante “Tiger” Johnson vs. Yomar Alamo
Division: Super Lightweight
Record(s): Delante Johnson — 13-0 | Yomar Alamo — 22-2-1
Betting Odds: N/A
Timeline Talk
Tiger Johnson time baby ???
— Raine (@RainesTooXharpe) September 27, 2024
Tiger Johnson gon get stopped soon & my wallet can’t wait for it.. #RyanMayer
— BoxingB4Sleep (@BoxingB4Sleep) September 27, 2024
Tiger Johnson gotta bite down & it's no power in them shots at all it don't seem like
— #StreetsDead (@Taegoe) September 27, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
This tiger Johnson kid FUCKING SORRYYYYYYY
— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) September 27, 2024
Tiger Johnson, as is typical for him, finds himself in a real fight. Took some big shots in the second.
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) September 27, 2024
Tiger Johnson a chinny fighter
— JG (@J_GabrielDiaz) September 27, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
Delante “Tiger” Johnson made his way to New York for arguably the toughest test of his career and he nearly failed it. At several points of the fight, the battle tested Yomar Alamo hurt the former Olympian and brought the Puerto Rican fans to their feet. Johnson was able to put up enough resistance to make it through the eight rounds and earn the decision on every judge’s scorecard, but the holes in his game that Alamo put a magnifying glass to tonight may come back and cause his downfall down the line.
Result: Johnson def. Alamo (UD, 8)
Elvis Rodriguez vs. Kendo Castaneda
Division: Super Lightweight
Record(s): Elvis Rodriguez — 16-1-1 |Kendo Castaneda — 21-6-0
Betting Odds: N/A
Timeline Talk
I just don’t see it with Elvis Rodriguez
— Texas Runs Boxing (@TweezyBoxing) September 28, 2024
Elvis Rodriguez looking nice in there! He’s fighting a bit too flat footed tho! He needs to stay light on his feet#Espn #ElvisRodriguez #Boxing
— Producer Bukoh (@iambukoh) September 28, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
Now underway Elvis Rodriguez (16-1-1, 13KOs) who takes on Kendo Castaneda (21-6, 9KOs) in a 10-round Jr. Welterweight bout. #RyanMayer
— CORNERMAN BOXING ? (@ag_cornerman) September 27, 2024
Elvis Rodriguez ?? keeps having the problem of not letting his hands go enough. When he opens up he looks great. But those moments are few and far between. Would like to see him throw more punches #Boxing
— Broadway Joel ?? (@_BroadwayJoel) September 28, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
Heading into tonight’s bout, not many questioned if Elvis Rodriguez would beat Kendo Castaneda. Rather, many wondered if he would win in memorable fashion. Through 10 rounds, Elvis Rodriguez was too strong, too quick and too versatile for Castaneda. However, he wasn’t able to get Castaneda out of the fight. Every shot that Rodriguez threw was filled to the brim with power, but that may have been to his detriment. At a certain point, it felt as is Castaneda knew what to expect and could brace for impact, allowing him to make it through the fight. Moving forward, Rodriguez will need to show a few more wrinkles to his game to compete with the top fighters in the super lightweight division.
Result: Rodriguez def. Castaneda (UD, 10)
Floyd Diaz vs. Mario Hernandez
Division: Bantamweight
Record(s): Floyd Diaz — 12-0 | Mario Hernandez — 12-4-1
Betting Odds: N/A
Timeline Talk
Floyd Diaz has severely regressed since he turned pro. Throws one punch at a time, doesn't know how to turn his punches over. Maybe having his girlfriend as the S&C coach wasn't such a good idea. Top Rank going to cut this dude any day now.
— RTSMightyMike (@RTSMightyMike) September 28, 2024
This is a good fight, Mario Hernandez is trying to melt Floyd Diaz #RyanMayer
— FanOfTheArts (@FoTAMM4) September 28, 2024
Floyd Diaz looked way better with bomac, his boxing was much more sharp, level of sparring partners dipped.
— J$te3zY (@holloway_joel) September 28, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
N/A
Def Pen Debrief
Floyd Diaz delivered a solid performance against the rugged, tough Mario Hernandez. At times, Hernandez was able to push Diaz back, but the undefeated 118-pounder was able to move, work the body and let his hands go when needed. Diaz is by no means a power puncher, but he’s certainly capable of delivering fun, competitive fights in the future. With that said, he did look a bit sharper and more versatile under coach Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. However, that could all just be the result of the resistance his opponent, Hernandez, was able to muster up through eight rounds.
Result: Diaz def. Hernandez (UD, 8)
Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Khalil El Harraz
Division: Super Welterweight
Record(s): Vito Mielnicki Jr. — 19-1-0 | Khalil El Harraz — 16-5-1
Betting Odds: N/A
Timeline Talk
This Mielnicki kid is nice as fuck, he'll definitely become champion one day
— Raine (@RainesTooXharpe) September 28, 2024
Vito Mielnicki got Khalil El Harraz thinking about those body shots #RyanMayer
— FanOfTheArts (@FoTAMM4) September 28, 2024
Vito Mielnicki jr is currently getting walked down by a guy with pillow fist. Even though he’s winning This fight isn’t a good look ?????
— Bo ? (@bozackery) September 28, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
This is so boring man
— Thrill Boxing Magazine ?? (@ThrillBoxing) September 28, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
Despite the scorecard of one judge, Vito Mielnicki Jr. cruised to a decision victory against a game Khalil El Harraz. With that said, his inability to truly push the Italian middleweight to the limit, knock him down or stop is somewhat of a let down. At 22 years old, Mielnicki Jr. doesn’t need to rush, but given that he kickstarted his pro career at 17 years old, he may be moved a bit quicker than others his age. If that’s the case, he’ll need to show more in 2025 if he hopes to move up and challenge the ranks of Vergil Ortiz, Erickson Lubin, Tim Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora and Jesus Ramos.
Results: Mielnicki Jr. def. Alamo (MD, 10)
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Sulaiman Segawa
Division: Featherweight
Record(s): Bruce Carrington — 12-0 | Sulaiman Segawa — 17-4-1
Betting Odds: Bruce Carrington (-1400) | Sulaiman Segawa (+700)
Timeline Talk
Carrington a little sharper tonight but the theme of the night seems to be that the "guys" aren't ready yet for what people think.
— Foreman (@AyeForeman) September 28, 2024
Sula won this fight against Carrington. Here comes the politics of boxing. Stand on truth and righteousness.
— Ernesto Rodriguez (@ERodriguez517) September 28, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
Sulaiman Segawa is going to be upset at himself for giving the fight away in the final two rounds. He absolutely blew it
— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) September 28, 2024
Carrington looking a little out of ideas here.
— Download The Boxing News App ? (@RobTebbutt) September 28, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington performed like many of his Top Rank counterparts. He did enough to win, but not enough to impress fans watching around the country. At times, it looks as if he was searching for a one-punch knockout that would appear on SportsCenter. Instead, he was met with the above average boxing ability and awkwardness of Uganda’s Sulaiman Segawa. Carrington did not disappoint, but if he wants to attract the likes of Naoya Inoua to the U.S. for a big fight, he’s going to have to do more. Still, the future is bright for the Brownsville boxer.
Result: Carrington def. Segawa (MD, 10)
Xander Zayas vs. Damian Sosa
Division: Super Welterweight
Record(s): Xander Zayas — 19-0 | Damian Sosa — 25-2-0
Betting Odds: Xander Zayas (-2000) | Damian Sosa (+900)
Timeline Talk
this the most educated performance i've ever seen from xander zayas. he's actively progressing, actively learning.
— M Soprano (@mjctical) September 28, 2024
It's over! Xander Zayas produces a very professional and measured performance to cruise to a win #Boxing #zayassosa #RyanMayer
— Head Body Boxing (@Head_Body_Box) September 28, 2024
Xander Zayas impressive win he’s defense was on point! #Boxing
— Adam Rodriguez (@thruwords1) September 28, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
He is… his defense and counter punching have been excellent… punch selection and timing are on point… not recklessly pushing for the KO…
Xander Zayas is only 22 and gets a little better every fight. https://t.co/vpFiXw6Kvj
— Bryan Fonseca ?? (@BryanFonsecaNY) September 28, 2024
Really sharp from Zayas tonight. A real step forward.
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) September 28, 2024
They need to go ahead and do the Xander Zayas vs Josh Kelly fight next. #RyanMayer
— Abraham Gonzalez (@abeG718) September 28, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
Damian Sosa was expected to push Xander Zayas in ways that he hadn’t been tested previously, but nothing of the sort happened. Zayas boxed beautifully, working Sosa to the body and controlling the pace of the fight. He was even smiling and dancing around in the corner between rounds. While Zayas was unable to get the knockout, he definitely proved that he’s ready for the next step. The scariest part of the night is being reminded that he’s only 22 years old and still has room to grow.
Result: Zayas def. Sosa (UD, 10)
Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan
Division: Welterweight
Record(s): Mikaela Mayer — 7-1-1 | Sandy Ryan — 19-20
Betting Odds: Sandy Ryan (-125) | Mikaela Mayer (+100)
Timeline Talk
WHAT A FIGHT!!! Mayer closed the 10th strongly and for us took the round
We scored it 96-94 Mayer.
How did you score it? #Boxing #RyanMayer
— Head Body Boxing (@Head_Body_Box) September 28, 2024
5-5 Dead even ? #RyanMayer
I could very much see this 6-4 Ryan, but man, was that a good ass scrap. Let's go Ryan ??
— Raine (@RainesTooXharpe) September 28, 2024
Hell of a fight… Thought Mikeal won 7-5 but it could go the other way..#RyanMayer #TopRankBoxing
— Shakersandice (@Shakersandice) September 28, 2024
Critics’ Chatter
The Women's fight was clearly the best of the night! Fun firefight. Congrats ? #RyanMayer #boxing
— BOXINGEGO (@Boxingego) September 28, 2024
Sandy Ryan vs Mikaela Mayer is the leading candidate for women's fight of the year. 96-94 Sandy Ryan for me. #RyanMayer
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) September 28, 2024
WOMEN'S BOXING >>> #RyanMayer #Boxing
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) September 28, 2024
Def Pen Debrief
From paint attacks to verbal sparring, the build up to tonight’s welterweight title fight was nothing short of dramatic. However, none of what happened before Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan would dictate the result of the fight. Over ten, two-minute rounds, Ryan and Mayer went to war with the challenger leading the way through portions of the first five rounds and the champion making up ground in the second half of the fight.
Def Pen Scorecard: Ryan def. Mayer (96-94)
Result: Mayer def. Ryan (MD, 10)
Note: Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook at 5:30 p.m. EST on Friday, September 27. Odds are subject to change. If you or a loved one is battling a gambling addiction, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.