KATIE TAYLOR has backed Sandy Ryan to gain revenge against Mikaela Mayer and become WBO welterweight champion.
Ryan – who is a sparring partner of Taylor’s – rematches Mayer at Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old lost the belt to the American last September, having previously won the vacant belt in April 2023.
Undisputed super lightweight champ Taylor is used to having to come back from defeat herself, having done so against Chantelle Cameron in November 2023.
The Bray woman had lost to Cameron at the 3Arena six months earlier in her first defeat as a professional boxer.
And Taylor sees that same resilience in Ryan.
She told Sky Sports: “For me I definitely have the ability to adjust. I’m so determined as well.
“When I lost to Chantelle Cameron I had the Sunday off and then I was back in the gym on Monday preparing for that rematch.
“I think you have an extra fire in you when you suffer a loss. You just learn so much from losses as well.
“That’s where all the growth happens. You’re forced to sit back and think about things a bit more.
“I know Sandy’s that type of person as well.
“She has the heart of a warrior. She has an amazing mentality, an amazing mindset.
“It’s whoever wants it most on Saturday night.
“I think Sandy is just an all round complete fighter. She’s an amazing fighter, an amazing boxer.
“She’s so versatile. Her jab is fantastic, her counterpunch is fantastic.
“I’ve shared rounds and rounds of sparring with her.
“She’s a huge reason why I won the rematch against Chantelle Cameron as well.
“Just an amazing part of my preparation and I’m always so grateful for those rounds that she gave me.
“So she’s just an all round complete fighter.
“I think she when she’s on form I think nobody is going to beat her on fight night.”
