Mikaela Mayer cruises to unanimous decision in first female Top Rank on ESPN main event

Mayer, who was forced out of a scheduled June 9 matchup with Joseph after testing positive for COVID-19, also made history as one half of the first women's main event of the Top Rank on ESPN series. The accomplishment was bittersweet because Mayer-Joseph was elevated to that spot after Jamel Herring was pulled from his WBO junior lightweight title defense following a positive COVID-19 test result.

Nevertheless, Mayer (13-0) shined under the bright lights and showcased the technical ability that will make the 2016 Olympian one to watch in women’s boxing. 

Mayer got off to a fast start, flashing a hard jab and then often following it with combinations that found their mark. Joseph (17-5-2) attempted to increase her aggression as the rounds progressed, but she struggled to get around Mayer’s jab and often walked into brisk combinations. A bit of a slugfest broke out in the sixth round, with Mayer sitting down on her punches and battling with the hard-nosed Joseph. 

Mayer picked up the pace in the later rounds, and the accumulation of blows began to wear down Joseph. Before the start of the ninth round, Joseph’s corner was concerned about their fighter absorbing so much punishment but still sent her out to try to battle back.

Mayer, though, was simply too sharp and skilled for the plodding Joseph, who fought valiantly but proved to be incredibly overmatched against the 30-year-old rising star. Mayer's dominant performance was reflected in scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91. 

The unlikely rise of Clay Collard (8-2-3, three KOs) continued as he dropped Lorawnt-T Nelson (5-4) three times before securing a second-round TKO in the co-main event. 

While most people have had a challenging 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Collard has done his best work as a fighter with a 4-0 record and putting blemishes on previously undefeated fighters. He entered his fight vs. Nelson as the favorite, and he proved why with a dominant performance.

Collard was previously known as an MMA fighter first who occasionally boxed, but 2020 has changed that. A man who used to be brought in to make prospects look good has turned into one of the biggest boxing stories of the year.

Collard wasted little time imposing his will on Nelson and battered him from the outset. A straight right sent Nelson to the canvas in the first round and the same punch dropped him in the second frame. 

Sensing his foe was in trouble, Collard nailed Nelson with a left cross again and followed it with a barrage that forced the stoppage 1:57 into the second.