Mayer: Athletes Are Vulnerable to Online Abuse Due to Trash Talk

Boxing is distinct in its culture of trash talk, which can sometimes spill over into online harassment for athletes like Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion. Despite her recent success and a new contract with Most Valuable Promotions, Mayer remains grounded, acknowledging the downside of her sport, including the hate she faced after her first professional loss to Alycia Baumgardner. "When things don't go as planned in the ring, and you're already dealing with your own pressures and goals, the online bashing can feel overwhelming," Mayer shared with Sky Sports. She recounted how she had to navigate this challenging period, learning to stay motivated despite the negativity. Mayer's experience made her stronger, and with the support of her team, she was able to regain her confidence and return to the ring, eventually clinching the WBC interim lightweight title. Mayer advises fellow athletes not to let criticism hold them back and to maintain their online presence, even in the face of adversity. "It's not easy, but with time and experience, you learn to block out the noise and keep building your fan base," she said. This dilemma is not unique to boxing but is a challenge faced by many female athletes across different sports, who must balance self-promotion with the risk of online toxicity. As rugby international Georgia Evans noted, women's sports are distinct, and athletes must often put themselves out there on social media to achieve equality with their male counterparts. Mayer agrees that social media is a valuable tool for female boxers but emphasizes the importance of finding a unique selling point to stand out from the crowd. "Being a good boxer isn't enough; you need to promote yourself, look the part, and find something that sets you apart," she advised. This approach can help athletes build a loyal fan base and rise above the challenges posed by online harassment.