Avila Perspective, Chap. 349: Three World Titles at Stake in Tonight’s Feature in Montreal

Surprisingly some boxing fans are still not aware of women’s boxing.

For those who are curious, do not miss Thursday night, Oct. 30, when Canada’s Mary Spencer and California’s Mikaela Mayer clash for three super welterweight world titles.

You will get the best version of women’s prizefighting when Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs) meets Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) at Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada for the WBA, WBC, WBO super welterweight titles.  Top Rank Classics on this link will stream the Eye of Tiger Promotions card free.

Both fighters are products of international amateur boxing programs and each fought in the Olympic Games. Spencer fought in 2012 and Mayer in 2016. This will be their first encounter in the boxing ring.

“Even before this fight was matched, the next opponent was going to be in trouble, whoever that was. And now the situation is even more exciting because it’s Mikaela, because of the style that she brings,” said Spencer at the press conference.

Spencer, 41, dominates with her power and steady aggression. Most of her knockouts happened in the first round.

Mayer, 35, likes to outwork her foes from the opening bell and not allow them to breathe or gain comfort. She is a punching machine who can fight outside or inside.

“I have a big job to do on Thursday night. It’s always been my goal in this sport to go and search out the best fights possible, the biggest names possible,” said Mayer who has not fought in Canada as a pro. “the number one goal right now is to put on a great performance, show everyone that even though I’m the smaller fighter, skills pay the bills. Size doesn’t win fights, skill does.”

Whoever Mayer fights the excitement level usually reaches the red zone. With her team that consists of trainers Al Mitchell, Kofi Jantuah and manager George Ruiz.

Since entering the professional ranks Mayer has clashed with big hitters like Helen Joseph, Maiva Hamadouche, and Alycia Baumgardner. Most of her last 10 fights have included world title fights against Jennifer Han, Natasha Jonas and Sandy Ryan. There have been no easy fights.

Competitive fights has long been her goal. It’s why this match with Spencer was made.

“She’s a worthy opponent. She’s done a lot in the sport. You know, I remember her name from back in the day. She was the it girl back in the amateurs, so those are the type of names I want to add to my resume, and we got the fight done, so I’m happy to be here,” Mayer said.

Canada’s Spencer likes being tabbed the underdog against Mayer.

“I know that I’m the underdog according to the bookies, but I mean, they get it wrong often. I don’t feel like an underdog. I feel like this fight is a gift,” said Spencer. “The situation is even more exciting because it’s Mikaela, because of the style that she brings.”

Though Spencer has not faced opposition equal to Mayer, she has proven to seldom need judges to declare her the winner. Six of her foes have been stopped via knockout, all six in the first round.

“I get to be here at home. I get to really show a hometown crowd my best,” Spencer said.

One more thing, Mayer has that X-factor when it comes to exciting fights.

Photo credit: Victor Munhoz / Eye of the Tiger\

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