Mayer: Athletes often face harsh criticism from the public

Boxing is distinct in that it involves a significant amount of trash talk, followed by intense physical competition in the ring. Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion, has recently signed a multi-year contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and offers a straightforward perspective on her sport. She acknowledges the potential pitfalls, including the hate and criticism that can come when things don't go as planned in the ring. Mayer recalls her first professional career defeat to Alycia Baumgardner by split decision four years ago, which was a challenging time for her. 'I think the toughest time for me was after my first loss. I was dealing with my own career pressures and goals, feeling like I had failed myself. Then, going online and seeing the world criticize me was even harder,' Mayer told Sky Sports. 'Because we, as athletes, engage in trash talk, people feel they can do the same, making it a struggle to cope with your own pain and stay motivated.' Mayer credits her team with helping her build confidence again, which led to her returning to the ring six months later and winning the WBC interim lightweight title. 'It's not easy to deal with, but over time, you learn to navigate it better with a good team, management, and friends who keep your spirits high,' she said. Promoting fights is a routine part of a boxer's job, but Mayer has learned that even in the face of losses, it's essential not to let criticism get the best of you. 'I definitely took a step back from social media after my first loss, and it took me a couple of years to get back to a good mental state,' she admitted. 'My advice would be to not let criticism hold you back and disappear from what you've built. You have to stay strong mentally, block out the noise, and keep building your fan base.' This is a challenge many female athletes face, not just in boxing, as they strive to promote themselves and their sports while being vulnerable to online toxicity. Georgia Evans, a Wales and Saracens rugby international, also spoke about the social media abuse she faced during the Women's World Cup. 'It's tough because we're fighting for equality with men, but we have to acknowledge that women's sport is different,' Evans said. Mayer agrees that social media is a tool for female boxers to promote themselves but emphasizes the importance of finding a unique selling point to stand out from the competition. 'I've told girls coming into the sport that it's not enough to just be a good boxer. You have to look the part, promote yourself, and find something that sets you apart from others. Being talented isn't enough; you need to find a gimmick that catches the attention of fans and makes them want to see you.'