The women`s welterweight division is down to its two leading figures.
Mikaela Mayer successfully defended her WBO welterweight title in a rematch against Sandy Ryan in Las Vegas, winning by unanimous decision and settling their rivalry. Meanwhile, Lauren Price had previously secured a dominant victory over Natasha Jonas on March 7, claiming the IBF and WBA belts to add to her WBC title. This sets the stage perfectly for a single, crucial fight in the welterweight category.
A fight for the undisputed welterweight championship between Mayer and Price is the logical and necessary step forward.
Price`s commanding win over Jonas established her as a leading force, signaling a shift in the division. Mayer rose to the occasion and matched Price`s momentum with a strong performance, demonstrating her resilience and determination in her own victory.
Their first encounter in September saw Mayer win a closely contested majority decision against Ryan, which was considered controversial by some. The rematch was highly anticipated, fueled by pre-fight tension, including Ryan`s accusation of a paint attack by Mayer`s team, which Mayer strongly denied. In the rematch, both fighters were determined to assert dominance, but Mayer ultimately controlled the fight. She maintained consistent pressure and built a lead that Ryan`s late efforts couldn`t overcome.
This was Mayer`s third fight in the welterweight division. The former unified junior lightweight champion and interim lightweight titleholder appeared significantly improved compared to her previous welterweight performance. She delivered more powerful punches and utilized an effective jab. Ryan contributed to an engaging fight, landing solid counter right hands, but she couldn`t match Mayer`s higher activity level.
Mayer commented after her victory that moving to welterweight was a necessary step for her career. She explained that it took considerable time and effort to adjust to the weight class, but she now feels comfortable and believes this is her ideal weight.
Mayer`s welterweight debut was a split decision loss to Jonas in January 2024, and Price subsequently defeated Jonas decisively in March. However, direct comparisons between those fights shouldn`t dictate expectations for a Mayer vs. Price matchup. Mayer seems to have fully adapted to the welterweight division and is a different fighter from the one who lost to Jonas. Jonas, at 40, also appeared slower against Price than in earlier bouts.
Given their recent victories, Mayer and Price have no other significant opponents but each other. They have proven themselves to be the premier fighters in the welterweight division, and the only remaining question is to determine who deserves the title of undisputed champion.