It appears that Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer are as upset as many fans that they won’t be stepping into to The O2 tonight.
Both were set to feature on the BOXXER and Sky Sports event this evening – billed as the first all-female boxing card in the history of the sport. After the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II, it followed other sporting fixtures across the country in being postponed.
Many in the sport disagreed with the decision, which ultimately came down from the British Boxing Board of Control, but the two fighters that were to feature in the main and co-main event were, whilst upset, understanding of the situation.
In a light-hearted video, the American pair summed up the feelings of most in the boxing community in the wake of the news, howling at an empty O2 arena from the balcony of their hotel.
😓 Safe to say @Claressashields and @MikaelaMayer1 are a bit disappointed not to be fighting at @TheO2 tonight.
🎥 Claressa Shields
🔞 @Betfred Fight Odds: https://t.co/ScG6GUH2QZpic.twitter.com/YMudak006m
— Boxing Social (@boxing_social) September 10, 2022
As for a more serious response, Shields was classy in her acceptance of the postponement. She took to Twitter after the announcement.
“What can I say… I was 159 pounds today, I was mentally and physically ready for tomorrow. I’m sad about the fight being postponed but I’m a big girl and I understand! The country of the UK has took a huge loss of Queen Elizabeth & the country is mourning, the world is too.”
Shields was looking to become undisputed in the middleweight division when she faced Savannah Marshall. Many fans and pundits see the grudge match as a 50 / 50 fight.
Mayer, who represented the US at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside Shields, was similarly respectful.
“I understand and respect the decision to postpone British Sporting Events and our fights in light of the Queen’s passing. To my UK fans, I thank you so much for showing up this week! Back to the lab to prepare for an even greater fight, soon.”
The WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine champion was set to face Alycia Baumgardner in a super-featherweight title unification.
BOXXER, who are handling promotion of the event, released a statement yesterday ensuring fans that all parties involved are working towards a new date of October 15. As of now, the card remains the same.