Boxing is a unique sport that combines intense competition with verbal sparring, as fighters engage in trash talk before facing off in the ring. Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion, has experienced the highs and lows of her sport, including the harsh criticism that comes with it. She recalls the struggles she faced after her first professional loss, when the pressure to succeed and the pain of defeat were compounded by online abuse from fans. "It's like, because we're the ones talking trash, they feel they can talk trash too," Mayer explained.

"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 credits her team and support system with helping her navigate these challenges and build her confidence again. She advises young athletes to stay strong mentally and not let criticism hold them back, saying, "Don't fall off. Don't let the criticism hold you back and disappear from everything you've built already.

You've got to keep the momentum going. You've got to stay strong mentally to do that.

You've got to block out the noise, keep showing up, keep building your fan base." This is a common challenge faced by female athletes, who must balance the need to promote themselves and their sports with the risk of online toxicity. As Georgia Evans, a rugby international, noted, "It's tough because we're always fighting to be equal with the men, but you have to acknowledge the fact that women's sport is very different to men's." Mayer agrees, saying that female boxers need to find a unique selling point to set themselves apart from their rivals.

"I've said this to girls coming up: 'As a female coming into the sport, it's not good enough just to be a good boxer.' You have to look the part. You have to go out there and promote yourself and do all these extra things.

Being a good boxer isn't enough. 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."