On this day, on July 4th, 1990, Mikaela Mayer was born. Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, and a former unified super featherweight world champion, will go down as one of the most historically significant figures in women’s boxing.

Mayer was the first women’s boxer to sign with Top Rank Inc., and consequential knocked down for doors when she was the first women’s fighter to main event an ESPN telecast, as well as be a part of an all-women’s broadcast team with Crystina Poncher.

The Mayer Legacy

Mayer is a relatable figure to young women worldwide. We all have met someone who embodies the spirit of Mikaela Mayer, and though others in the sport of boxing had tried to occupy the space she has taken up. Mayer is unapologetically female, not unlike Ronda Rousey in the UFC. Her ring walks for big fights have seen her walking out to Spice Girl songs as opposed to the latest top-40 hit song.

Armed with her trusty manager, George Ruiz, and coach Al Mitchell, Mayer has spoken of legacy and greatness since the beginning of her career.

She was able to win the WBO and IBF women’s super featherweight world titles, prior to losing a close decision to career-rival Alycia Baumgardner. When she broadcast her friend Ginny Fuchs fight on DAZN, Mayer spoke to how rivals have helped women’s boxing, and that rivalry seems to be one of the first epic ones of the modern era of women’s boxing.

Mayer is now fighting in the lightweight division as she is looking to become a two-division world champion.