“They Don’t Require It in America”: Former Female World Champion Points Out Protection Gear Only Used in UK Boxing

Can American female boxers dodge punches with Jedi-like precision? This question takes center stage, as Mikaela Mayer points out the absence of protective gear in American boxing, unlike in UK boxing. The former unified super featherweight champion is about to enter the ring against Natasha Jonas on 20 January in the latter’s hometown, Echo Arena, Liverpool. 

The Colorado resident has been climbing the weight division, taking out champions along the weight. She is vying to become a two-division champion by defeating Jonas and snatching her IBF welterweight title. However, with mere weeks left in her fight in the UK, the 19-1 American pugilist turned to X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the difference in the rules of the UK and America regarding protective gear. 

Mikaela Mayer thinks a particular protective gear is pointless in boxing

Penning her fourth tweet of 2024, the California native expressed her confusion surrounding the UK boxing’s rule to have women wear protective gear like a cup. It’s worth noting that in American boxing, female fighters can wear breast protectors, but it’s optional. She goes on to highlight that these gears aren’t required in America, claiming it’s pointless. 

“Not even sure why us women have to wear cups in the first place. They don’t require it in America, just the UK! Honestly pointless,” Mayer wrote. But this isn’t the first time the former featherweight champion has spoken out about boxing rules. She has been especially vocal about the recent rule introduced by USA Boxing allowing transgender athletes to compete against biological women.

Mayer claims it’s illegal and disrupts the even playing field 

Not so long ago, the National governing body for amateur/Olympic-style boxing released four conditions that allow transgender fighters to compete against women in boxing. As the news circulated on X, many notable names have come forward to express their discontent with the decision, claiming it makes the sport unfair.

Similarly, Mayer also penned the strongly worded tweet on the last day of 2023. “Hormone therapy is banned. By default, this should make trans athletes ineligible for competition. Period. Doesn’t matter how you feel about the situation, fact is, it’s illegal & completely disrupts the even level playing field that sport works so hard to create,” wrote Mayer.

Also Read: “A Positive Test Is A Positive Test”: Mikaela Mayer Breaks Her Silence On Alycia Baumgardner’s Doping Test Fiasco

With mere weeks left in her upcoming battle against Natasha Jonas, the Colorado resident is left bewildered by UK boxing’s rule to have female boxers wear cups. Do you think wearing a cup in women’s boxing is necessary? 

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