Mayer vs. Ryan 2: Fight Analysis, Expert Predictions, and Betting Odds for the Explosive Welterweight Rematch

Breaking down the strategy, strengths and expert predictions for the high-stakes Mayer-Ryan rematch with betting insights for the ESPN+ main event.

The Rivalry Continues: Mayer vs. Ryan Rematch Preview

The boxing world eagerly anticipates the ESPN+ main event this Saturday night as WBO welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KOs) defends her title against bitter rival Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch of their September 2024 classic that saw Mayer win by razor-thin majority decision (97-93, 96-94, 95-95).

Fight Night Details

  • Date/Time: Saturday, March 29 @ 10 PM ET (ESPN/ESPN+)
  • Prelims Start: 7 PM ET (ESPN+)
  • Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
  • Tale of the Tape: Fighter Age Height Reach Stance Record
    Mayer 34 5'9" 66.5" Orthodox 20-2 (5 KOs)
    Ryan 31 5'8½" 67.5" Orthodox 7-2-1 (3 KOs)

The Controversial First Encounter

Their September bout produced fireworks both in and out of the ring:

  • Ryan was splattered with red paint while leaving her hotel pre-fight (allegedly by Mayer's camp)
  • Trainer drama as Kay Koroma switched from Mayer to Ryan before the first fight
  • 186-185 total punches landed (Mayer edged by just one punch)
  • Mayer landed 39 power body shots (10 more than Ryan)

Expert Breakdown: Hall of Famer Al Bernstein's Analysis

Keys to Victory:

For Mayer:

  • Control distance with jab & footwork
  • Maintain volume punching advantage
  • Avoid being trapped on ropes
  • Win early rounds decisively

For Ryan:

  • Start faster than first fight
  • Cut off the ring effectively
  • Focus on body attack
  • Score cleaner, more visible punches for judges

"This is a true 50-50 fight," Bernstein noted. "Mayer's movement and combinations versus Ryan's power and physicality. That first fight was 2024's Fight of the Year candidate - I expect nothing less this time."

Former Champion EC's Inside Perspective

Former two-division champ Erica Anabella Farias (fought both women) reveals:

  • Mayer's timing and late-round surges will be crucial
  • Ryan must control emotions and stick to gameplan
  • Judges favor Mayer's cleaner, more technical work
  • Predicts Mayer by decision in another close contest

"When Mayer smells blood, she turns up the pressure brilliantly," Farias observed. "Ryan hits harder but wastes energy when frustrated. That's the champion's advantage."

Betting Insights (via ESPN's Ian Parker)

Market Odds
Mayer Win -105
Ryan Win -115
Goes Distance -210

Recommended Bets:

  • Mayer by decision (+160)
  • Fight goes over 9.5 rounds (-150)
  • Ryan to win rounds 1-3 (+120)

"At these odds," Parker noted, "Mayer presents value. Her championship experience and ring generalship should prove decisive over 10 rounds."

Co-Main Event Preview: Zepeda vs. Farmer II

The Cancun lightweight showdown features:

  • Zepeda (-750 favorite) defending WBA title
  • Farmer looking to avenge split decision loss
  • Parker's pick: Over 10.5 rounds (-170)

How to Watch

Full card airs live on ESPN/ESPN+ starting at 7 PM ET with the main event expected around 10 PM ET. International viewers can stream via ESPN Player.

What to Read Next

Katie Taylor Triumphs Over Amanda Serrano in Epic Trilogy Fight at Madison Square Garden
Boxing

Katie Taylor Triumphs Over Amanda Serrano in Epic Trilogy Fight at Madison Square Garden

Katie Taylor secures her undisputed junior welterweight title in a thrilling trilogy fight against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden.

Top Boxing Showdowns: Taylor-Serrano Trilogy, Shakur-Zepeda Clash, and More
Boxing

Top Boxing Showdowns: Taylor-Serrano Trilogy, Shakur-Zepeda Clash, and More

Explore the top boxing matches this weekend, including the Taylor-Serrano trilogy, Shakur-Zepeda, and Berlanga-Sheeraz, with expert betting insights.

Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda: A Clash of Boxing Titans
Boxing

Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda: A Clash of Boxing Titans

Shakur Stevenson faces William Zepeda in a high-stakes boxing match. Discover why this fight is a must-watch for boxing fans.

Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: The Epic Trilogy Showdown at Madison Square Garden
Boxing

Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: The Epic Trilogy Showdown at Madison Square Garden

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano face off in their highly anticipated trilogy fight at Madison Square Garden, marking a historic moment in women's boxing.

Hamzah Sheeraz: The Rising Star Ready to Conquer America with Andy Lee's Guidance
Boxing

Hamzah Sheeraz: The Rising Star Ready to Conquer America with Andy Lee's Guidance

Hamzah Sheeraz, under the mentorship of Andy Lee, prepares for his American debut against Edgar Berlanga, aiming to prove his mettle in the super middleweight division.

Unveiling 'The Fight Life' Season 2: A Deep Dive into Boxing's Rising Stars on ESPN+
Boxing

Unveiling 'The Fight Life' Season 2: A Deep Dive into Boxing's Rising Stars on ESPN+

Catch the thrilling second season of 'The Fight Life' on ESPN+, featuring boxing's brightest stars like Keyshawn Davis and Mikaela Mayer. Premieres July 7!

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn II: The Epic Rematch Set for September 20 in London
Boxing

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn II: The Epic Rematch Set for September 20 in London

The highly anticipated rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn is set for September 20 in London, promising another thrilling showdown.

Jake Paul’s Rise to Cruiserweight Contention: A Social Media Star’s Path to Boxing Glory
Boxing

Jake Paul’s Rise to Cruiserweight Contention: A Social Media Star’s Path to Boxing Glory

Jake Paul secures WBA ranking, positioning himself for a shot at the cruiserweight title against Gilberto Ramirez.

2025 Midyear Boxing Highlights: Best Fights, Knockouts, and Disappointments
Boxing

2025 Midyear Boxing Highlights: Best Fights, Knockouts, and Disappointments

A comprehensive review of the best moments in boxing for the first half of 2025, including top fights, knockouts, and biggest disappointments.

Jack Catterall Secures Technical Victory Over Harlem Eubank in Controversial Bout
Boxing

Jack Catterall Secures Technical Victory Over Harlem Eubank in Controversial Bout

Jack Catterall defeated Harlem Eubank in a controversial match stopped early due to cuts, leading to a technical decision and calls for a rematch.

Skye Nicolson's Road to Redemption: Aiming for Two-Time World Champion Glory
Boxing

Skye Nicolson's Road to Redemption: Aiming for Two-Time World Champion Glory

Skye Nicolson, after her first professional loss, is determined to reclaim her glory and become a two-time world champion in boxing.

Manny Pacquiao: The Legendary Comeback and Boxing Legacy
Boxing

Manny Pacquiao: The Legendary Comeback and Boxing Legacy

Manny Pacquiao, the boxing legend, makes a historic return to the ring aiming for the WBC welterweight title. Discover his journey, records, and upcoming fight.

Jake Paul's Path to the Cruiserweight World Title: Who Stands in His Way?
Boxing

Jake Paul's Path to the Cruiserweight World Title: Who Stands in His Way?

Explore Jake Paul's journey towards a cruiserweight world title, analyzing his potential opponents and the challenges he faces in the boxing ring.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Jake Paul: A Battle of Legacy and Redemption
Boxing

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Jake Paul: A Battle of Legacy and Redemption

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. faces Jake Paul in a high-stakes boxing match, battling for legacy and redemption in the ring.

Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Live Fight Night Analysis and Results
Boxing

Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Live Fight Night Analysis and Results

Catch all the action from Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. with live updates, results, and expert analysis. Don't miss this cruiserweight clash!

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.