The troubles in women’s professional boxing have been well documented over the past several years. While women’s MMA has seen an explosion in popularity, their boxing counterparts have struggled to be noticed by anybody.
It’s in the amateur ranks that, perhaps, the best hope for women lay. Marlen Esparza, Claressa Shields, and Mikaela Mayer have managed to capture the attention of not only the small pocket of women’s boxing fans, but also more casual fans as well. Because of the inclusion of the sport in the last Olympics, the ladies competing in the amateur ranks have found themselves with endorsement opportunities and media coverage not afforded to female boxers in years.
Mayer has certainly made the most of the opportunity even though she didn’t even qualify for the Olympic team. Her Dr. Pepper commercial which tells her story of being a fighter, in addition to a model, was incredibly popular.
Mikaela with Jeff Mayweather
ProBoxingInsider.com spent a few moments with Mikaela at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas where she was in town getting in some sparring as she prepares for an upcoming tournament. The club has allowed her to get in some work with talented fighters such as Jessica Rakoczy and Maricela Cornejo. Ultimately, she hopes to put the disappointment of London behind her, and qualify for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio.
Mayer discusses coming up short in her Olympic bid, how she plans to improve going forward, and whether or not she has plans to go pro at some point. Additionally, she discusses the revival of women’s boxing and the impact the Dr. Pepper commercial has had on her career.
