Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan will face each other again on Saturday in a highly anticipated rematch following Mayer`s narrow majority decision victory last September. The first fight, decided by scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 95-95 in favor of Mayer, was not without its controversies. Hours before the bout, Ryan was unfortunately struck with paint while heading to Madison Square Garden, an incident she attributed to Mayer`s team, which they vehemently denied.

Adding fuel to the fire, Kay Koroma, Mayer`s long-time trainer, switched allegiances to train Ryan before their first encounter, heightening the pre-fight tension visibly during the introductions.

In their initial match, Ryan, with a record of 7-2-1 and 3 KOs, started cautiously but effectively utilized her powerful jab. Mayer, holding a 20-2 record with 5 KOs, sustained a minor cut above her right eye during an action-packed fourth round. Despite this, two judges awarded the round to Mayer, noting her 17 power punches landed compared to Ryan`s 12. Mayer concluded the fight strongly, securing the final three rounds on two judges` scorecards.

Body punches played a crucial role in their first contest. Mayer landed 39 power punches to the body out of 44 total, surpassing Ryan by 10. Ultimately, Mayer only edged out Ryan in total punches landed, 186 to 185, underscoring the fight`s closeness.

Will the rematch unfold differently? To gain expert perspectives, Andres Ferrari consulted boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former champion Erica Anabella Farias, who has fought both Ryan and Mayer. Additionally, ESPN betting expert Ian Parker provided his analysis on the main event and the lightweight clash between William Zepeda and Tevin Farmer in Cancun.

Al Bernstein`s Fight Analysis

Fight Dynamics Prediction

Bernstein anticipates a fight mirroring their first encounter. He notes Ryan`s slow start in the previous match, possibly influenced by the pre-fight incident. Assuming no such distractions this time, he expects Ryan to begin more aggressively. However, he believes the core dynamic will remain: Mayer`s higher punch volume and ring control against Ryan`s power. He foresees Mayer using combinations and movement to keep Ryan at bay.

For Ryan, Bernstein suggests leveraging her jab more, transitioning to powerful body and head hooks from mid-range, and attempting to fight on the inside to disrupt Mayer. Ultimately, he predicts another closely contested fight going to a decision.

Ryan`s Path to Victory

Ryan needs to penetrate Mayer`s jab to get within range for her strong left hooks, targeting both body and head. She must engage in mid-range combat, avoiding fighting at distance where Mayer has an advantage. Cutting off the ring and cornering Mayer will be crucial for Ryan to dictate the fight.

Mayer`s Path to Victory

Mayer`s strategy should revolve around effective jab usage, strategic movement, and maintaining a higher work rate, similar to her approach in the first fight. Utilizing combinations, controlling ring geography, and avoiding the ropes are key. Bernstein does not foresee a knockout for either fighter, emphasizing the importance of winning rounds. He also critiques the wide scorecards from their first fight, finding the closer scores more reflective of the bout`s competitiveness.

X Factor: Focus

The rematch is compelling due to the first fight`s closeness and entertainment value, now hopefully without external disruptions for Ryan. Bernstein highlights the even playing field this time, focusing on the fighters` skills and strategies, alongside the intriguing trainer dynamic.

Bernstein`s Prediction

Bernstein anticipates a very similar, close decision fight, echoing the first match. He views it as a stylistic tie, making it one of last year`s best fights. He hesitates to predict a winner, seeing it as evenly matched, acknowledging Mayer`s previous edge but also Ryan`s potential for improvement and a different outcome.

Erica Anabella Farias`s Fight Analysis

Mayer`s Path to Victory

Farias emphasizes Mayer`s championship status and need for round-by-round efficiency. She observes Mayer`s tendency to build momentum from the fourth round onward, suggesting a tactical approach of settling in early to dominate later. Mayer`s timing and ability to land significant punches are crucial for judge appeal. Farias notes Ryan`s temperament, which can lead to mistakes that Mayer can exploit.

Farias highlights Mayer`s jab and ring management skills, which she personally experienced as challenges. She believes Mayer controlling distance and timing from the start will secure a comfortable win, even against Ryan`s pressure. Farias stresses Ryan`s need for emotional control, contrasting it with Mayer`s experience and composure under pressure, giving Mayer a likely advantage.

Ryan`s Path to Victory

Ryan must impress the judges and maintain composure, avoiding emotional outbursts. Farias expects a full-distance fight, stressing the need for Ryan to win rounds decisively. Ryan`s explosive body punches, while impactful, may not be decisive against Mayer`s fitness. Farias points to Mayer`s speed and agility as key, requiring Ryan to cut off the ring effectively.

Farias`s Prediction

Farias also expects another close fight, suggesting Ryan needs a revised strategy from their first encounter. She believes repeating the same approach will lead to another loss for Ryan. Farias predicts a Mayer victory by decision.

Ian Parker`s Betting Insights

Mayer vs. Ryan Betting Analysis

Parker finds the current odds slightly surprising, favoring Ryan at -115 over Mayer at -105, given Mayer`s previous win. He sees value in betting on Mayer, believing her speed and footwork will lead to another decision victory. He suggests Mayer’s early aggression could widen the scorecards in her favor.

Prediction: Mayer to win by decision

Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer Betting Analysis

Parker considers Zepeda a strong favorite (-750) and advises against a straight moneyline bet at such odds, but suggests him as a parlay component. He expects a Zepeda win, similar to their last fight, which Zepeda largely controlled. For a safer bet, he recommends over 10.5 rounds at -170, acknowledging Farmer`s durability. For a higher payout, he suggests Zepeda by decision at +125.

Prediction: Zepeda vs. Farmer over 10.5 rounds, and/or Zepeda by decision at +125

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas Betting Analysis

Parker notes Norman as a significant favorite (-600). While acknowledging the fight might be closer than odds suggest, he favors Norman based on his recent performance and perceived ring rust for Cuevas, who has been inactive. He predicts Norman winning by TKO/KO, leveraging his power.

Prediction: Norman to win by TKO/KO