Mikaela Mayer is gearing up for a significant showdown tonight in Montreal, where she will face off against Canada’s Mary Spencer. This bout is not just another fight; it’s an opportunity for Mayer to claim the WBA super welterweight world title and ascend to the status of a three-division world champion.

At 35, Mayer has already proven herself a formidable force in the boxing world. With a history as a former unified champion at 130 pounds, she has successfully transitioned to the welterweight class. Now, she is ambitiously stepping up to the 154-pound division, driven by the quest for new triumphs.

Speaking from her training base in Las Vegas, Mayer shared her motivations with Daily Mail Sport. “I’ve always aimed to make the biggest fights possible,” she remarked. “For me, it wasn’t just about accumulating belts; it was about seeking out the most significant and challenging bouts.”

Her current move up in weight class comes after missing out on a chance to fight for the undisputed title against Lauren Price this year. “Since that didn’t happen, the next best thing was to challenge Mary Spencer for a third division world title,” Mayer explained. “My goal is to face Lauren next year and become undisputed.”

Mayer’s determination to compete at the highest levels is rooted in her desire to push her limits. This fight with Spencer is more than just another attempt to add a belt to her collection—it’s about demonstrating that past setbacks, including her 2022 defeat by Alycia Baumgardner, have only fueled her resolve.

Reflecting on that loss, Mayer confessed, “Losing to Baumgardner was the lowest point in my career. It was devastating, and I still find it hard to think about. Without the support of Coach Al, who’s been with me from the start, along with a strong team and promoter, it would have been difficult to come back. But now, I’m here, and I’m stronger than ever.”

Mikaela Mayer will face Mary Spencer this evening in Montreal, battling it out for the WBA super welterweight world title and the chance to become a three-division world champion

The 35-year-old American (pictured on the right), a former unified champion at 130lbs and current welterweight star, has climbed through the divisions

That sense of renewal was clear when Mail Sport caught up with Mayer during her final preparations in Las Vegas. The former Olympian began her session with an hour of shadow boxing in front of the mirror, focusing on footwork, timing, and rhythm before moving on to the pads. 

Each combination was sharp and deliberate, rehearsed for the kind of fight she expects on Thursday night. Then it was onto the heavy bag, where she drilled the same movements she plans to unleash in Montreal – pivoting, slipping, and letting her hands go with trademark precision. 

The mood in the gym was serious but light-hearted. Laughter broke out between rounds as Mayer teased her team, who affectionately refer to her as ‘Team Captain’. It’s a nickname she’s earned through experience and leadership – and one she carries with pride. 

‘It’s great being the team captain,’ she laughs. ‘I remember when girls weren’t even allowed in the gym. Now I see these young girls coming up and they remind me of myself when I started. 

‘I was the only girl in the gym for years. Even now I mostly spar men. But it’s fun seeing the next generation have someone to look up to. There’s still a lot of work to do, but women’s boxing has come so far.’ 

She’s happy to be a role model, but that doesn’t mean she always gets her way. Mayer has one ongoing battle in the gym… her music. ‘They won’t let me play my white girl playlist!’ she jokes. ‘I just want to play Britney Spears, but they won’t let me. Honestly, you’d be surprised how pumped up Britney Spears gets you.’ 

It’s a glimpse into the playful side of a fighter who has long been known for her competitive streak, her confidence, and her composure under pressure. 

What’s different about this camp, Mayer says, is how good she feels physically. After years of forcing her body to make 130lbs, she’s now training without the strain of extreme weight cutting. 

‘I don’t really believe in cutting weight anymore,’ she explains. ‘I fought at 130 for most of my career and it took a toll on my body. But now I feel stronger, better. All those little injuries went away.’

She went on to add: ‘I wouldn’t encourage young fighters to cut so much. It’s hard when everyone’s doing it, but I’ve learned that being healthy and strong is what really matters.’ 

That mindset could make all the difference against Spencer, a powerful 40-year-old from Ontario who brings both size and experience at the higher weight. Spencer (10-2, 6 KOs) will have the advantage of home soil and a natural frame for the division, but Mayer insists her technical skill and movement will be the difference. 

‘She’s a worthy opponent,’ Mayer says. ‘She was a big name back in the amateurs. Those are the kind of fights I want. The ones that mean something. I plan on getting my hand raised and becoming a three-division world champion. Even though I’m the smaller fighter, skills pay the bills. Size doesn’t win fights, skill does.’

Mayer’s approach is as ambitious as ever. Should she beat Spencer and claim the WBA crown, her goal is to drop back down to 147lbs to chase the undisputed fight with Lauren Price before potentially moving to 140 to challenge again.

‘I think these next two years are going to be the biggest of my career,’ she says. ‘Everything that’s happened, the setbacks, the changes, it all happened for a reason. Now I feel like it’s my time again.’