Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion, has spoken out about the harsh realities of trash talk in boxing, where athletes are often subjected to online abuse and hate. Despite her recent successes, including a multi-year contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, Mayer remains grounded and aware of the pitfalls of her sport. She reflected on her first professional loss to Alycia Baumgardner, which left her feeling defeated and vulnerable to online criticism.
"It's like, because we're the ones talking trash, they feel they can talk trash too, so it's definitely a struggle because you're dealing with your own pain and you're trying to keep yourself motivated, hungry and you go online and you're being bashed and you feel that the world hates you," Mayer told Sky Sports. However, she credits her team and support system with helping her build confidence and navigate the challenges of the sport. Mayer advises young female boxers to find a unique selling point to set themselves apart from their rivals, as being a good boxer is no longer enough in today's competitive landscape.
"Find something. Find a gimmick. Find something that maybe separates you from everybody else, that will catch the attention of the fans and make them want to see you," she said. Mayer's experiences serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between promoting oneself and protecting one's mental health in the face of online toxicity, a challenge many female athletes face across various sports.