Sandy Ryan, a British boxer, was splashed with red paint hours before her title fight against Mikaela Mayer. Despite the attack, Ryan fought on but ultimately lost the bout via unanimous decision.
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, English boxer Sandy Ryan was doused with red paint hours before she was set to take on Mikaela Mayer in a fight for the WBO welterweight championship.
According to a Matchroom Boxing post on social media, Ryan was hit with a can of paint as she was on her way to the MSG Theater on Friday night. "We walked out of the hotel to go to the arena and someone threw a can of paint at Sandy Ryan," a Matchroom worker said in a video. "Literally ran out the hotel, must have been, I don't know, a team member from the other side, threw a can of paint. She had to go get changed. Not a good start."
Paint-Drenched Boxer Sandy Ryan Loses WBO Welterweight Fight After Pre-Fight Attack
Despite the attack, Ryan went on to fight Mayer, but lost the bout via unanimous decision. In a statement released after the fight, Ryan said she knew she shouldn't have stepped into the ring. "Still trying to come to terms with what happened last night, I know I shouldn't have fought after I was attacked leaving my hotel but I couldn't let them win like that," Ryan said. "I was fighting off empty and still felt I won the fight.
"We have obtained the CCTV and are in contact with the NYPD. Pretty obvious what happened and the truth will be set free shortly. You tried to ruin my career but trust me it's only just begun."
Paint-Drenched Boxer Sandy Ryan Loses WBO Welterweight Fight After Pre-Fight Attack
Ryan and her team told ESPN they believe that someone from Mayer's team was responsible for the incident. "Mikaela Mayer is going to get it," Ryan said. "It was definitely a setup from her team. What else would it be?"
Mayer has denied the accusation.
Paint-Drenched Boxer Sandy Ryan Loses WBO Welterweight Fight After Pre-Fight Attack
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of athletes in professional sports. Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend, recently expressed his worries for Mike Tyson's safety ahead of his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul.
"I think it's a bad fight," Hogan said. "It's a very bad fight for Mike Tyson. To go out there at his age and fight a kid who's been training the last five years. That's not a good fight for Mike Tyson."
The attack on Ryan is a reminder that athletes are not immune to violence. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of athletes being attacked, both on and off the field.
The safety of athletes is paramount. Authorities must take all necessary steps to ensure that athletes can compete in a safe and secure environment. The perpetrators of these attacks must be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.
