Mayer: Trash talk comes with the territory in boxing

Boxing stands out for its unique blend of intense verbal sparring and physical combat. Mikaela Mayer, a three-weight world champion, has experienced both the highs and lows of her sport. After suffering her first professional loss to Alycia Baumgardner, Mayer faced intense online criticism. "It's tough when you're already dealing with your own disappointment and then you're faced with the world criticizing you," she explained. However, with the support of her team, Mayer was able to bounce back, winning the WBC interim lightweight title six months later. She advises fellow female boxers to develop a strong online presence but also to find what sets them apart from their competitors. "Being a good boxer isn't enough; you need to have a unique selling point to stand out," Mayer said. This challenge is not unique to boxing, as female athletes across various sports face the dilemma of promoting themselves while navigating potential online toxicity.