Mikaela Mayer and Other Results

Mikaela, Marlen and Ginny Carry Olympic Torch Forward

By Uppercut Staff

(Photos by Al Applerose)

It was a big night for American women’s boxing as Olympians Mikaela Mayer, Marlen Esparza and Ginny Fuchs all emerged victorious in their respective battles.

WBC flyweight titlist Marlen Esparza (12-1) battled Japan’s best WBA flyweight titlist Naoko Fujioka (19-3-1) and won by decision in a fight much closer than the horrible scores given by two Texas judges.

But Esparza did win and now holds the WBA, WBC and the Ring Magazine flyweight title.

Fujioka, 46, winner of five weight division world titles, battled furiously against the younger Esparza from the beginning until the end. With a constant body attack she was able to shut down Esparza’s running game and keep the fight close.

For eight rounds it was a dead even fight but Esparza was able to finally gain separation with her ability to slip punches and counter. That proved the difference in the fight and the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist emerged victorious. All three judges gave it to Texas bred Esparza, but two Texas judges gave every round to the home product. It was horrible scoring. Only Nevada judge Lisa Giampa scored it correctly 97-93 for Esparza.

Uppercut scored it 96-94 Esparza.

“I thought it was a really good performance considering how hard she brings it,” said Esparza. “She’s a very seasoned fighter, she’s a world champion.”

Mikaela

WBO and IBF super featherweight titlist Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 Kos) won by unanimous decision over fellow American Jennifer Han (18-5-1) on Saturday at Costa Mesa, California.

Mayer, a 2016 Olympian, powered through El Paso’s Han who was reared in the USA amateur boxing program like Mayer, but a decade earlier. Han was also a former featherweight world champion but the move up to super featherweight has not gone her way.

Han was unable to give Mayer much pause but was combative throughout the 10-round fight at the OC Hangar a small arena that is perfect for watching boxing.

Mayer, 31, has gathered more polish and skills since turning professional in 2016. The 2016 Rio Olympian has quickly become one of the best female fighters pound-for-pound with her relentless attack and ability to fight her own fight. She has now seemed to become a fully polished professional fighter under her trainer Al Mitchell’s guidance.

With her blistering jab and slashing combinations Mayer pierced through Han’s guard and was able to dictate the pace. Her best round occurred in the eighth frame when she was able to unleash a punishing combination. With a little more time, it could have resulted in a stoppage.

“I wanted to get the stoppage. I feel like I hurt her in the eighth round, almost finished her,” said Mayer. “This is another reason why I’m advocating for three-minute rounds.”

Even without a knockdown it was clear Mayer was too much for Han who never quit but was unable to keep pace with her younger rival.

Mayer retained the world titles by unanimous decision after 10 rounds. Scores were 100-90 twice and 99-91 for Mayer.

Fuchs wins too

Ginny Fuchs made her pro debut with a knockout win over Randee Lynn Morales (4-4) in the fourth round. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic participant showed off her power and dropped Morales in the opening round of their flyweight battle.

Fuchs was able to stop Morales in the fourth round with a withering attack. The end came at :24 seconds into round four.

Prologue

It was a big day for all three US Olympians who emerged victorious on the same day. It also marks a significant point that the amateur boxing system is working tremendously. All three gathered experience as amateurs.