Boxing has a reputation for being a sport where bravado and banter are part of the package – you can hurl insults in the press conference, then step into the ring and exchange punches. Mikaela Mayer, who has been soaring as a three‑division world champion since October and recently inked a multi‑year deal with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, speaks candidly about the realities of her profession. She is well aware of the dark side that accompanies success. The backlash she endured after a disappointing night in the ring four years ago still resonates.
In that bout, she stepped into unfamiliar territory and suffered her first professional defeat, a split‑decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner. "The toughest period for me was coming off that first loss," Mayer explained to Sky Sports. "I was wrestling with the pressure of my own ambitions, feeling as though I had let myself down. Then I logged onto the internet and the whole world seemed to be tearing me apart." Mayer likens the experience to a double‑edged sword.
"Because we’re the ones throwing trash talk, others think they have a free pass to return it," she said. "It’s a real struggle – you’re already dealing with personal disappointment, trying to stay motivated and hungry, and then the online vitriol makes you feel like the world hates you." Instead of allowing the negativity to cripple her, Mayer turned the episode into a source of strength. With the unwavering support of her team, she rebuilt her confidence and stepped back into the ring six months later, this time at lightweight.
That comeback culminated in her capturing the WBC interim lightweight title, a testament to her resilience. "It isn’t easy to navigate," she admitted, "but over time you learn to manage the noise, especially when you have a solid crew behind you – good management, loyal friends who keep your spirits high, and a clear plan. Even when you’re thinking, ‘How will any of this end up?’, you have to keep showing up and rely on that support network." Promoting fights has become a routine for boxers, a necessary chore to drive ticket sales and keep their names in the headlines. Yet Mayer has learned a harsh lesson: even when you suffer setbacks – she has only been defeated twice in her career, the second loss coming at the hands of Natasha Jonas in Liverpool in 2024 – you must refuse to let the haters dictate your narrative.
"After my first loss I actually pulled back from social media for a while. It took me a couple of years to regain my mental footing," she recalled.
"I’m fine now, but looking back I was really struggling, so I stepped away for a bit. My advice is simple: don’t disappear. Don’t let criticism push you into hiding.
Keep the momentum alive. Stay mentally strong, block out the noise, keep showing up, and keep building your fan base. It’s tough, but experience and time make it manageable." Mayer’s story reflects a broader dilemma faced by women athletes across all sports.
While they strive to promote themselves and their disciplines to reach new audiences, they also expose themselves to a heightened risk of online toxicity. Wales and Saracens rugby international Georgia Evans echoed this sentiment when she spoke to Sky Sports about the abuse she received after the Women’s World Cup for sporting bows in her hair and for using her platforms to raise the profile of women’s rugby.
"It’s challenging because we’re constantly fighting for parity with the men, yet we have to acknowledge that women’s sport is a different landscape altogether," Evans said. "I love that the World Cup showed we have fans who follow individual players because they connect with them personally.
Social media lets us showcase those personalities – it’s the new frontier. Women have to be more forward, putting ourselves out there to achieve equality, whereas men don’t rely on social media as heavily.
That’s the crux of it. We’re battling for equality, but we also have to recognise the unique qualities that make women’s sport extraordinary." Mayer also sees social media as a double‑edged instrument for female boxers. It can amplify their brand, but she urges upcoming fighters to develop a distinct selling point that sets them apart from the competition.
"I tell the younger girls entering the sport: being a good boxer alone isn’t enough," she said. "You have to look the part, promote yourself, and do the extra work.
There are countless talented boxers who haven’t reached the top because we still need to decide who will be the ‘face of the sport’. Talent alone won’t get you there. Find a gimmick, a unique angle, something that differentiates you and catches fans’ attention. That’s what will make people want to watch you fight." In summary, Mayer’s journey illustrates how the modern athlete must juggle performance, personal branding, and the relentless scrutiny of a digital audience.
Her resilience after defeat, the strategic use of social platforms, and the call for women athletes to carve out a unique identity all highlight the evolving nature of sport in the age of online interaction. By staying grounded, leaning on a supportive team, and refusing to be silenced by critics, Mayer continues to blaze a trail for future generations of female fighters and athletes across all disciplines.