Boxing is a wild sport, but things have never become as diabolical as what happened to the United Kingdom’s Sandy Ryan on 27th September earlier this year. 31-year-old Ryan squared off against California’s Mikaela Mayer at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York for their much-anticipated bout for Ryan’s WBO welterweight title.

The Brit ultimately lost the fight by majority decision. With two judges scoring it 97-93 and 96-94 in favor of Mayer, while a third judge ruled it a 95-95 draw. Although Ryan called for an immediate rematch, the controversy surrounding the bout began long before the first bell rang. This sparked an official police investigation.

Sandy Ryan attacked in New York

Former WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan was attacked in New York just hours before her highly anticipated fight against Mikaela Mayer. On Friday evening, as Ryan was leaving her hotel to travel to Madison Square Garden, a can of red paint was thrown at her. 

Ryan believes Mayer’s team was behind the attack, a claim Mayer has vehemently 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 rough in the buildup [to the fight], but I would never go that far.”

Despite the attack, Ryan remains undeterred. “In light of everything that’s happened, I believe that an immediate rematch should be ordered,” Ryan said in a statement. “I have dedicated my life to this sport and am very grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Boxing deserves so much more than this kind of thuggery.”

Police investigation update

After the attack on September 29th, in a statement on social media, Ryan confirmed that the NYPD is investigating multiple incidents, including a paint attack and a smear campaign, which she believes were premeditated. Ryan stated, “The NYPD have confirmed that they are investigating a number of incidents… I was advised to leave New York for my own safety as early as possible and I am now back in the UK.”

Ryan went on to explain that she was subjected to a “disgusting and pathetic smear campaign” on fight day, where hundreds of defamatory leaflets featuring her image were distributed around her hotel and Madison Square Garden. She suggested that these incidents were orchestrated by someone who could have benefited from them, adding, “There were multiple people involved in carrying them out.”

In her statement, Ryan also expressed frustration with Mayer, who she feels has not distanced herself from the attacks. “I would have thought she or her team would have put out their own definitive statement since the fight to distance themselves from these incidents,” Ryan remarked. “However as of yet, she has had very little to say on it.”

Mayer’s team responded through manager George Ruiz, denying any involvement. “I’m compelled to respond to your latest round of baseless accusations. No one associated with Team Mayer had anything to do with the paint assault,” Ruiz said, urging a thorough investigation.

Where is Sandy Ryan from? Ethnicity and early life

Sandy Ryan hails from Derby, Derbyshire, in the United Kingdom. Born on March 5, 1994, she grew up in this historic city in the East Midlands. Here she developed a passion for boxing at a young age. Of British ethnicity, Ryan’s early life was shaped by her commitment to sports, particularly boxing. 

She quickly gained recognition in the amateur circuit, becoming one of Team Great Britain’s leading hopes. Her achievements include winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a silver at the 2014 World Championships. These successes helped establish her as a rising star in British boxing. 

Ryan’s transition from the amateur ranks 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 through the ranks, making her a formidable presence in the welterweight division.

Sandy Ryan’s boxing record and stats

Besides her amazing amateur run, Ryan has managed to put together an impressive professional boxing record of 7-2-1. She joined the pro ranks back in July 2021 with her bout against Kirstie Bavington. She went on to win her next two fights via knockouts. But suffered her first career loss in December 2021 against Erica Anabella Farias. 

Unfettered, she kept fighting and quickly racked up three unanimous decision wins. However, in September 2023, she recorded a split decision draw against Jessica McCaskill. Six months later, Ryan came back to fight Terri Harper and secured a fourth-round stoppage win. Her second career loss would come against Mayer in September of this year. 

It’s yet to be seen whether a rematch between Ryan and Mayer comes to fruition. 

Ryan never expected to be attacked by some deranged individual on the street ahead of her fight. While it’s difficult to say whether the incident affected her performance, there’s no denying the malice behind such an attack.