Alycia Baumgardner and Mikaela Mayer: The Path to a Potential Rematch
Undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner and former unified titleholder Mikaela Mayer remain two of the most prominent figures in women’s boxing, with their rivalry continuing to draw significant interest from fans and promoters. While Baumgardner holds all four major sanctioning body belts at 130 pounds, the possibility of a second meeting between the two remains a frequent subject of speculation following their narrow October 2022 encounter.
What Happened in the First Fight?
Alycia Baumgardner defeated Mikaela Mayer by split decision on October 15, 2022, at the O2 Arena in London. The judges scored the contest 96–95, 96–95, and 93–97 in favor of Baumgardner, who successfully defended her WBC and IBO titles and captured Mayer’s IBF and WBO belts. According to ESPN, the bout was marked by high-paced tactical exchanges, with Baumgardner’s power shots often countering Mayer’s consistent volume and movement.
Why Is a Rematch Frequently Discussed?
The demand for a rematch stems from the competitive nature of the initial scorecard and the contrasting styles of the two fighters. Mayer immediately expressed dissatisfaction with the 2022 result, publicly advocating for a second opportunity to prove her superiority. Baumgardner, meanwhile, has maintained that she is focused on the biggest fights available to build her legacy. As noted by BoxingScene, both athletes have remained top-tier contenders, keeping the narrative of a second fight relevant within the super featherweight and lightweight divisions.
Current Status of the Super Featherweight Division
Since their 2022 meeting, both fighters have moved through different stages of their careers:
- Alycia Baumgardner: She continues to reign as the undisputed champion at 130 pounds. Her recent career includes a victory over Christina Linardatou in July 2023, though she has faced scrutiny regarding drug testing protocols, which the WBA and other sanctioning bodies have reviewed.
- Mikaela Mayer: Mayer transitioned to the lightweight division, challenging Natasha Jonas for the IBF title in January 2024. Despite a strong performance, she fell short in a narrow decision loss, as reported by Sky Sports.
Comparison of Career Trajectories
| Fighter | Primary Weight Class | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alycia Baumgardner | Super Featherweight | Undisputed Champion |
| Mikaela Mayer | Lightweight / Super Featherweight | Former Unified Champion |
What Obstacles Remain for a Second Bout?
Weight class alignment and promotional obligations are the primary hurdles to a rematch. Baumgardner has remained firm at 130 pounds, while Mayer has campaigned as high as 135 pounds. For a second fight to materialize, both parties would need to agree on a catchweight or Mayer would need to return to the super featherweight limit. Additionally, promotional differences—often the primary cause of delays in high-profile boxing matches—require negotiation between the camps to ensure the bout reaches a broadcast platform.
While no official date or contract exists for a rematch, the history between Baumgardner and Mayer ensures that any future announcement regarding their paths would be a major event in the sport. Both fighters continue to pursue legacy-defining bouts, keeping the potential for a second chapter in their rivalry a realistic possibility in the coming seasons.