Mayer: Athletes are vulnerable to online abuse due to trash talk

Boxing stands out for its unique blend of intense verbal sparring and physical combat, as world champion Mikaela Mayer notes. 'Boxing is distinct in that there's a lot of trash talk, and then we enter the ring and engage in a fierce physical battle.' Mayer, who recently signed a multi-year contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, remains grounded despite her success. She recalls the challenges she faced after her first professional loss to Alycia Baumgardner four years ago, which left her grappling with unfamiliar territory and online criticism. 'I think the toughest time for me was after my first loss. I was dealing with the pressures of my own career and goals, feeling like I'd failed myself. Then, I'd go online and face a barrage of criticism from the world,' Mayer told Sky Sports. Mayer believes that because boxers engage in trash talk, fans feel they can do the same, making it a struggle to cope with personal pain and maintain motivation. However, she credits her team with helping her regain confidence, which she did by returning to the ring six months later and winning the WBC interim lightweight title. Mayer advises young boxers to develop a unique selling point to differentiate themselves from their competitors. 'As a female boxer, it's not enough to just be a good boxer. You need to look the part, promote yourself, and find something that sets you apart from others,' she said. Mayer also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and mental strength in dealing with online criticism and staying focused on one's goals.