Ringside Report: Mayer Defeats Bortot and Now Sets Her Sights on Natasha Jonas
Mikaela Mayer moved seamlessly into the super-lightweight division last night as she defeated former European champion Silvia Bortot, taking every round in a 100-90 points victory.
Mayer, who has moved from 130lbs to 140lbs in the space of three fights, doesn't plan to hang around at this weight either, she is simply passing through as she sets her sights on a clash with Natasha Jonas, the reigning IBF title holder at 147lbs.
Jonas, who was at ringside commentating for Sky, is likely to relish the opportunity to face Mayer, as she readily admits that at the age of thirty-nine, she is now firmly in the business of taking the biggest fights possible, following a run of form which has seen her capture four world titles across two weight classes.
The clash with Bortot was always a fight Mayer was expected to win, but it was a chance to test herself at the higher weight level against an experienced opponent who has spent much of her fifteen-fight professional career in this division. By fighting in the UK for the third time in succession, it was also a smart commercial decision from Mayer given, by her own admission, most of her future opponents are based over here.
The 100-90 score suggests a one-sided fight, but that was far from the case. Mayer was on top throughout, but Bortot was in every round, adopting a front-foot style and looking to throw combinations whenever she got close. Many of those punches were deflected, but Mayer did take more clean shots than she would have liked, especially earlier on in the fight.
Ultimately, though, Mayer broke Bortot down as the fight progressed and as the early pace setting caught up with the Italian. She used her left jab from the outset to set up the right-hand shot, and this combination got more effective the longer the fight went, forcing Bortot onto the back foot, although she was never at risk of being stopped. Mayer continued to throw punches until the final bell, but overall, she can be pleased at getting ten rounds under her belt, as she looks to adapt her style to the higher weight class.
Eyes will now turn to the possible clash with Jonas, and at this stage, there appears to be no obstacles to prevent that fight from happening.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer
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