Mikaela Mayer will return on Saturday, April 15th, against former two-time junior welterweight world champion Christina “Medusa” Linardatou at Copper Box Arena in London.
Mayer-Linardatou will serve as the co-feature to the WBO interim heavyweight title clash between undefeated British knockout artist Joe Joyce and Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang.
“Mikaela Mayer made such a big hit in the UK that it only made sense to for her to fight across the pond again,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Mikaela is still one of the very best fighters in the world, and she demanded a tough fight for her lightweight debut. Linardatou has proven herself at the world-class level and should give Mikaela a run for her money.”
Mayer, was one of the stars of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Games, and was the first ever women’s boxer to sign with Top Rank back in 2017. Mayer won her first world title in 2020 at 130 lbs., and now will be fighting at her new weight class lightweight for the first time.
“The second I returned to the U.S. after my last fight in London, I called my team and told them to get me a fight ASAP. I didn’t want to wait, and I didn’t want to fight anyone other than a top contender! I’m hungry and motivated to prove that I’m still the best,” Mayer said. “When Top Rank sealed the deal with the tough and experienced Christina Linardatou, I was excited and inspired. She’s an aggressive, come-forward fighter, which is going to force me use all my tools. I always love the energy and support I get when visiting the UK, and I’m excited to come back and give everyone a great fight.”
This will be Mayer’s first fight since losing to Alycia Baumgardner last year in what will go down as one of the most competitive women’s bouts of all-time.
“I’m excited to be fighting Mikaela. She is coming off a loss to Alycia Baumgardner, whom I easily beat some years ago,” said Linardatou. I know she will be looking to make a statement in this fight. This is my first big fight after having a baby, which means my mission is different. Prior to having a baby, I would fight for titles and money. Now, I am fighting for legacy and to show my son how great his mom is.”
