Mikaela Mayer Out Of Top Rank Fight Due To Positive COVID-19 Test
It looks like Mikaela Mayer will have to wait a little bit longer to compete in a boxing ring.
Via a post on Instagram, Mayer (12-0) announced she will no longer be fighting on the June 9 Top Rank card meant to take place in Las Vegas. She stated her COVID-19 test, which she took as a result of the Nevada Athletic Commission’s health and safety guidelines, came back positive.
“It came as a complete surprise,” Mayer stated. “I am currently asymptomatic and am quarantining at an off-site location per recommended guidelines. The rest of my team tested negative and they are all in good health. I was really looking forward to bringing back boxing for all of you and I’m disappointed for myself, my team, my supporters and for my opponent, Helen Joseph, who worked just as hard to be here this week and put on a show for everyone.”
The 29-year-old Mayer was supposed to fight Melissa Hernandez inside the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden in March. The fight and card became one of the first New York events to be postponed by the coronavirus. She last fought in October, beating Alejandra Soledad Zamora via corner retirement. The Olympic boxer became one of the first active competitors to test positive for the virus.
“Top Rank has a protocol playbook in place, including extensive measures in case of a positive COVID-19 test,” Top Rank stated in a release, via Boxing Scene. “Those policies were followed as planned. We wish Mikaela the best and look forward to seeing her in the ring very soon.”
Mayer underwent a strict program designed by Top Rank in order for the NAC to accept boxing back in the state. Only one test will be made for a fighter if they test positive, per a recent Top Rank ruling. It is unknown if she was in contact with any other fighter, and when she will be able to compete again. If she continues isolating and staying in fight shape, Mayer could be back by the late summer.
“After two hard back-to-back camps, not being able to step in to the ring both times, you can imagine how disappointed I am,” Mayer went on to say. “However, these protocols were put into place for a reason and it’s more important to care about the health and well being of my team and the people at this event. So I am complying with the rules set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Top Rank to keep everyone safe. I will just have to take a quick break but I will be in the ring soon. I appreciate all the love and support. Please tune in to ESPN on Tuesday night and support the card and all of the fighters. Boxing is back and I’ll be back
A NABF Super-Featherweight Champion, Mayer was supposed to face Helen Joseph (17-4-2) this week. Joseph lost her last bout to Delfine Persoon back in November via unanimous decision. Before that fight, she was 5-0-1 in her last six.