Boxing stands out for its intense trash talk, followed by fierce competition in the ring. Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion, has a pragmatic view of her sport, recognizing its challenges. She recalls her first professional loss to Alycia Baumgardner, which led to online backlash.
"When things don't go as planned, you face hate, and it's tough to deal with your own pain while being bashed online," Mayer shared with Sky Sports. She credits her team for helping her regain confidence, which led to her winning the WBC interim lightweight title.
Mayer advises fellow athletes not to let criticism hold them back, saying, "You've got to keep the momentum going, stay strong mentally, and block out the noise." This dilemma is not unique to boxing, as female athletes across various sports face online toxicity while promoting themselves and their sports. Georgia Evans, a Wales and Saracens rugby international, also spoke about the social media abuse she faced. Mayer believes that female boxers need to find a unique selling point to stand out, saying, "Being a good boxer isn't enough; you have to look the part, promote yourself, and find something that separates you from others."