Mayer: Athletes Face Online Abuse Due to Trash Talk in Boxing

Boxing stands out for its intense trash talk, followed by fierce competition in the ring. Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion since October, has recently signed a multi-year contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. Despite her success, she remains down-to-earth about her sport and acknowledges its challenges. Mayer recalls her toughest time, which was dealing with the aftermath of her first professional loss to Alycia Baumgardner by split decision four years ago. "The roughest time for me was after my first loss. I was coping with the pressures of my career and my goals, feeling like I'd failed myself. Then, I'd go online and face criticism from the world," Mayer shared with Sky Sports. This experience taught her the importance of perseverance and a strong support team. Mayer believes that social media can be a double-edged sword for female athletes, as it provides a platform for self-promotion but also exposes them to online toxicity. To navigate this, she advises finding a unique selling point to stand out from rivals and maintaining a strong mental state. "It's not enough to just be a good boxer; you have to promote yourself, look the part, and find something that sets you apart," Mayer said. By doing so, female athletes can build their fan base and stay focused on their goals, despite the challenges they may face.