Mayer: Trash Talk Comes with the Territory in Boxing

Boxing stands out for its unique blend of intense verbal sparring and physical combat. As Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion, notes, "Boxing is distinct in that there's a lot of trash talk, and then we get in the ring and punch each other in the face." Mayer, who recently signed a multi-year contract with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, has experienced the highs and lows of her sport. She recalls the challenges she faced after her first professional defeat to Alycia Baumgardner by split decision four years ago. "I think the toughest time for me was after my first loss. I was dealing with the pressure of my own career and goals, feeling like I'd failed myself. Then, I'd go online and see the world criticizing me," Mayer shared with Sky Sports. Mayer believes that because boxers engage in trash talk, fans feel they can do the same. "It's a struggle because you're dealing with your own pain, trying to stay motivated and hungry, and then you're being bashed online, feeling like the world hates you." However, Mayer credits her team with helping her regain confidence. She returned to the ring six months later, debuting at lightweight and clinching 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." Mayer has learned that promoting fights is part of a boxer's routine, but she's also learned a valuable lesson: don't let the haters win. "I definitely pulled back from social media after my first loss. It took me a couple of years to get back to that mental state. I'm good now, but looking back, I was really struggling." Mayer advises against letting criticism hold you back. "Don't fall off social media, don't let the negativity win, and don't disappear from what you've built. You've got to keep the momentum going, stay strong mentally, block out the noise, and keep building your fan base. It's not easy, but time and experience help." This issue is not unique to boxing; many female athletes face online toxicity while trying to promote themselves and their sports. As Georgia Evans, a Wales and Saracens rugby international, shared with Sky Sports, "It's tough because we're fighting to be equal with men, but we have to acknowledge that women's sport is different. Social media is big, and we can show our personalities, but it's also a challenge because we have to put ourselves out there to get equality." Mayer agrees that social media is a tool for female boxers to promote themselves, but she also believes they need to find a unique selling point. "As a female coming into the sport, it's not enough just to 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 fans' attention and makes them want to see you."