Mikaela Mayer paused for a moment, then a wry smile spread across her face as she recognized who had just asked her a question. "Ohhh Alyciaa," she replied, not to a journalist but to a familiar adversary – former undisputed champion Alycia Baumgardner, who had secured a front‑row seat at Thursday’s press conference in Birmingham ahead of Mayer’s highly anticipated world title clash with Chantelle Cameron. Baumgardner had been speaking only minutes earlier, following the announcement of her own November 8 bout against Elif Nur Turhan.
Her inquiry centered on Mayer’s mindset, her development as a fighter, and why the upcoming Saturday showdown would be different – presumably different from the fight they had shared. Mayer answered confidently: "I’ve gotten better and better, I’ve learned not to repeat the mistakes I made against you. When I step into the ring I’ll start fast, stay aggressive and won’t leave anything to the judges, because you can’t always count on them." The exchange was a reminder of their previous encounter at The O2 in October 2022, when the two met in a world‑title unification bout. Mayer suffered a split‑decision loss, a result she has publicly disputed, insisting she believed she had done enough to win.
While the question seemed to revive an old rivalry, the broader narrative of women’s boxing in 2026 is shifting toward new match‑ups. Baumgardner appears to be eyeing a future showdown with Caroline Dubois, should both win their upcoming fights.
On Saturday, however, the spotlight will be firmly on Mayer and Cameron, two elite technicians who have each fought their way back to the top of the sport. "I’m at a stage in my career where these are the only fights I truly want," Mayer said.
"Our careers have had highs and lows, but we’ve always strived to give our best. We’re both at the peak of our game and have fought our way back to it." The consensus among analysts is that few, if any, contests in women’s boxing could rival this bout. Predictions are split, with many expecting the winner to cement a place among the all‑time greats.
"Let’s go get fight of the year," Cameron declared. Cameron brings a unique résumé to the ring: she is the only boxer to have defeated Katie Taylor in Taylor’s professional career, a fact that adds a layer of historic significance to Saturday’s showdown.
Cameron currently holds the WBO super‑welterweight title, while Mayer carries the WBA and WBC belts. Both have overcome setbacks – Cameron after a rematch loss to Taylor, and Mayer after controversial decisions in fights against Baumgardner and Natasha Jonas. "I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I feel I’m in the best shape of my life," Cameron said.
"Mikaela is a fantastic fighter; I respect her style and I love watching her. That’s why I wanted this fight – I want to test myself against the best. Our styles complement each other and should make for an exciting contest." Mayer, for her part, insisted that Cameron’s preparation would be insufficient against her newly expanded skill set. "I think I can do more.
Her style is straightforward; I’m more versatile," Mayer explained. "If I need to adjust my game plan, I have the tools in my arsenal.
In big fights you sometimes have to adapt, and I have what it takes to do that." The card will also feature Caroline Dubois defending her WBC and WBO lightweight titles against America’s Amelia Moore. Dubois, a London‑born fighter with lofty ambitions, has hinted at a future mega‑fight with Baumgardner, though she stresses that she never underestimates any opponent, including Moore. "I’m 100 percent confident," Dubois said.
"I’ve changed my team, moved to LA, dedicated myself fully, and I’m excited to prove why I’m the best at 135 lb. I set big goals – becoming undisputed – and I won’t let anything stand in my way.
I respect every opponent and train as hard as possible; I’ve left no stone unturned." Saturday’s main event – Mayer versus Cameron – promises to be a clash of styles, experience, and determination. Both fighters have navigated setbacks, reclaimed championship belts, and now stand ready to add another chapter to their legacies.
The fight is expected to deliver high‑octane action, tactical brilliance, and perhaps a defining moment for women’s boxing in the coming years. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports, with streaming options available for those who prefer to watch without a contract.
The event not only showcases two of the sport’s premier athletes but also highlights the growing depth and excitement in women’s boxing as it continues to evolve and attract a global audience.