Name: Mikaela Mayer
Age: 33
Twitter: @MikaelaMayer1
Nationality: American
From: West Hills, Los Angeles
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 19-1
Next fight: Fighting Natasha Jonas on January 20th in Liverpool for her IBF welterweight title
When and why you started boxing:
I was in my fourth high school, and I suddenly had an epiphany that I just needed to get back into something. I wanted to be successful, and it started with trying something new. At this point, I was hopping around different schools, not going, I wasn’t going to graduate on time. So I just woke up one day and snapped into gear. I walked into a Muay Thai Gym and signed myself up.
Favourite all-time fighter:
This is always a hard question for me because it is hard to pick one specific fighter. But I have to say the one fighter who has had the most influence on me is Vernon Forrest. Coach Al (Mitchell) trained him, and he has had me study so many of his fights. For every single fight I have had, he has sat me down to watch a Vernon Forrest fight at some point in training camp to show me something because we have that same tall rangy style.
What has boxing given you:
The biggest thing boxing has given me is purpose. It is not easy to find something that you are passionate about. The older you get, the more you realise that not everyone has that in their life. Something that is worth waking up for every day.
Personal career highlight:
There are so many. Qualifying for the Olympics in 2016, especially coming off losing in the finals in 2012, that was huge for me. As a professional, the Maïva Hamadouche fight in 2021 because everybody enjoyed it so much. I showed something that a lot of people didn’t expect me to do.
Toughest opponent:
Maïva Hamadouche. In the fight, there was no room to breathe. I had to stay disciplined for the whole fight. But really it was the training camp. Coach Al had these big Mexican fighters on my ass the whole time for round after round after round. It was exhausting.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I think I have got a great jab. That is a big strength of mine. One of my strengths is also a weakness. I like to stay in the pocket a little too long. It is an attribute that won me the Hamdouche fight, but sometimes I can get caught up in it instead of using my jab and my reach.
Training tip:
I have a set written out schedule for the week, something that you can stick to. Having people to hold you accountable. You can only push yourself so much.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Spaghetti bolognese, pasta, and sushi.
Best friends in boxing:
My two teammates from the amateurs, Ginny Fuchs, whom I met at my first tournament, and Christina Cruz.
Which other athlete would you like to be:
I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a gymnast. I used to do gymnastics when I was younger. So, I guess it would be Simone Biles.
Last film/TV show you saw:
Leave The World Behind, the new Julia Roberts film on Netflix.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I would say, Jennifer Lawrence. I love her.
The thing you are most proud of:
Probably my success and being financially stable and independent. It’s something I never saw coming. My parents were never good with money. Nobody ever owned a home. Nobody went to college. It’s breaking that generational pattern that I am most proud of.
Last time you cried:
It’s probably some meme, an animal clip that I saw on Instagram.
Best advice received:
Not to stress over things that you can’t control.
Who inspires you the most and why:
Coach Al. He never lets anything discourage him. He has taught me to stay focused on the positive no matter what.
Where’s your happy place:
On the water with my dogs.
Something not many people know about you:
I love interior design. That’s literally why I buy houses so I can redo them. It is a very expensive hobby.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time:
I don’t know, and I am not too concerned. That is a long way off. I am more focused on the present and my boxing career and leaving behind the best legacy that I can. I am open to wherever that takes me afterwards. When my career is over, I will look for that path. I will probably stay in the sport to some extent but there is always that chance I will throw my dogs onto a ship and go and live on an island somewhere and nobody will ever see me again.