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Steve KimESPN
Ewa Brodnicka will defend her WBO female junior lightweight title against Mikaela Mayer on Oct. 31 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.
Mayer (13-0, 5 KOs) has been outspoken in her wish for this title shot, and she made her case with a clear victory over Helen Joseph in July.
“I’ve made huge improvements to my boxing skills over the last 10 months. You saw some of it in my last fight against Helen Joseph, but I’ve reached a whole new level this fight camp,” said Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian. “I’m more than prepared for this WBO world championship fight, and I will absolutely be going home with the belt. This fight will not go the distance. Ewa Brodnicka is not on my level, and her time is up.”
The ultra-confident Mayer has steadily improved her skills under the direction of veteran trainer Al Mitchell. Top Rank’s Bob Arum has been pleased with her development.
“After Mikaela’s last performance, I promised her a world title fight. She’s asked to fight the champions, and I am confident she will make a statement to the rest of the women in and around her weight class,” Arum said. “We’ve watched her progress since her pro debut, and she has turned into one of the premier fighters in female boxing. This WBO belt will be the first of many world titles for Mikaela.”
For the Polish Brodnicka (19-0, 2 KOs), this will be her first fight on foreign soil.
“I am excited that my title defense against Mikaela is happening in America, where I’ve always wanted to fight,” Brodnicka said. “I am more than ready for this opportunity, and I would like to thank my promoters, Eddie Hearn and Mariusz Grabowski, for helping make this fight a reality.”
This fight will serve as the co-feature on ESPN+ when unified bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue defends his titles against Jason Moloney in the main event.