Sandy Ryan's Emotional Journey After Back-to-Back Losses

Derby's Sandy Ryan, the former WBO welterweight champion, recently opened up about her struggles following two consecutive defeats to Mikaela Mayer. The 31-year-old boxer admitted that she considered retiring from the sport after these emotionally and physically draining encounters.

The Fight That Changed Everything

Ryan lost her WBO welterweight world title to Mayer in controversial circumstances last September. The rematch in March ended in another defeat, leaving Ryan questioning her future in boxing. "Mid-fight I fell asleep as in stopped reacting, stopped doing what I normally do," Ryan revealed in an interview with BBC Radio Derby. She described being in her own world during the fight, unable to explain her lack of performance.

Thoughts of Retirement

"After the fight, I thought I was done," Ryan confessed. "I was finished boxing. And then a few weeks after, I had been back home for a while and after a few weeks the fight was still in me. I still have so much to give." Despite the setbacks, Ryan found the motivation to continue, realizing that she still has a lot to offer in the sport.

Controversial First Encounter

The first fight with Mayer was marred by an unusual incident where an unknown person threw paint over Ryan as she was leaving her hotel on fight night. Ryan also described the scorecards in the first fight as "questionable," though she had no complaints about the rematch, which was a unanimous points win for Mayer.

Mental Toughness and the Road Ahead

Ryan acknowledged that the camp leading up to the rematch was mentally tough. She suspects that she carried the effects of their first dramatic fight into the rematch. "I tried to not bring it with me, but in the back of my head it was always there," she said. Ryan plans to balance her calm demeanor with the aggression that defines her fighting style in future bouts.

Eyeing a Comeback

Ryan expects to make her return to the ring in August in the United Kingdom. Her management is currently searching for an opponent, with Cris Cyborg, a former UFC and PFL world champion in MMA, being one of the names mentioned. Ryan has asked her team to explore the possibility of making that match-up. "Her profile is big," Ryan said of Cyborg. "It would be great - I'd be happy if they made that fight."

Tune-Up Fight on the Horizon

Despite her interest in a high-profile fight with Cyborg, Ryan acknowledges that her next fight is more likely to be a tune-up. "I know potentially my next fight won't be a big fight. I am coming off a loss so I have to build myself up," she said.

Ryan's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required in the world of professional boxing. Fans eagerly await her return to the ring, hoping to see her reclaim her place among the sport's elite.