The night before her WBO welterweight world title fight, Britain’s Sandy Ryan was attacked on the streets of New York, after the now former champion had a can of red paint thrown at her.
Ryan lost the fight at Madison Square Garden against Californian Mikaela Mayer on September 27, as she was disadvantaged in the final scores of the judges who sided with Mayer with scorecards of 97-93 and 96-94, and one more with a 95-95 draw.
Ryan immediately asked for a rematch, while the police are already investigating the attack against Ryan, who was thrown the can just as he was leaving for Madison Square Garden for his fight.
Sandy Ryan believes Mayer’s team had something to do with the attack
The Briton said her rival’s team was behind the attacks, which Mayer has strongly denied.
“I had no idea, I was shocked, I thought it was horrible,” Mayer told Sky Sports. “I would never go that far. I know I get a little bit harsh in the build-up to the fight, but I would never go that far.”
In a statement, Ryan said: “In light of everything that has happened, I believe an immediate rematch should be ordered. I have dedicated my life to this sport and I am very grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Boxing deserves so much more than this kind of bullying.”
Two days later, on September 29, Ryan confirmed that the NYPD is investigating multiple incidents, including a paint attack and a smear campaign, which she believes were premeditated.
“The New York police confirmed that they are investigating a series of incidents… I was advised to leave New York for my own safety as soon as possible and I am now back in the UK,” the Briton said.
On the day of the fight, hundreds of defamatory leaflets with his image were distributed at his hotel and at Madison Square Garden, so Ryan claims he was subjected to a “repugnant and pathetic smear campaign”.
Ryan suggested that these incidents were orchestrated by someone who might have benefited from them, adding: “There were several people involved in carrying them out.”
Ryan also expressed his frustration with Mayer, who he believes has not distanced himself properly from the attacks.
“I thought that she or her team would have issued their own definitive statement since the fight to distance themselves from these incidents. However, so far, she has had very little to say about it.”
Following this, Mayer’s team responded through manager George Ruiz, denying any involvement. “I am compelled to respond to your latest round of unfounded allegations. No one associated with Team Mayer had anything to do with the assault on the painting.”
Ryan’s transition from amateur to professional boxing was seamless, as she signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing in 2021. Her determination, skill and work ethic have been crucial in her rise up the rankings, making her a formidable presence at welterweight.
Ryan has a professional record of 7-2-1 since 2021.
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