Mikaela Mayer KOs Edina Kiss in Three in Arizona
By David A. Avila
Mikaela Mayer wasted no time in dropping Edina Kiss with the first power blow landed and eventually stopping her by technical knockout on Saturday. Now it’s on to a world title.
Southern California’s Mayer (7-0, 4 KOs) almost showed disdain for Hungary’s Kiss (14-8, 8 KOs) whose eight wins by knockout were an afterthought at the Gila River Arena, in Glendale, Arizona. The fight was televised by ESPN.
“I wanted to go one or two more rounds for you guys,” said Mayer whose fights are normally streamed not televised by ESPN. “One or two more rounds and I would have finished her.”
The tall 130-pounder almost finished her in the first round when a short right to the chin plopped the blonde European fighter on the seat of her pants. Kiss jumped up immediately and wiggled her gloves above her head to show the referee that she was capable of continuing.
Kiss, 28, a veteran of 22 pro fights including numerous world champions like the feared Amanda Serrano, got up and tried to fight her way out but was met with more Mayer firepower. The shorter fighter resorted to plan B and began racing away from danger for the remainder of the round.
In the second round, it was apparent that Mayer’s corner told her to cut off the ring. After chasing Kiss the first round, the tall California fighter blocked Hungarian’s escape route of moving to her left. That forced more exchanges and Mayer took full advantage.
Mayer had that look of confidence that a knockout was inevitable and took her time before entering the danger zone. Plus, the world was watching on television and female boxing seldom gets these opportunities. The slender former Olympian patiently stalked Kiss knowing she was dangling by her fingertips on the edge of a cliff.
A look of puzzlement in the Kiss corner was visible at the end of the second round. Would her trainer allow her to absorb more punishment?
Kiss emerged for the third frame and Mayer waded in more quickly than in the previous round. It was clear that Mayer was intent on unloading her offensive weaponry as she stayed inside and pummeled the head and body. Kiss tried firing back and Mayer continued battering the Hungarian and showed no concern for return fire. Blow after blow connected for Mayer.
After two minutes of damage to the head and body Kiss returned to her corner and the Hungarian fighter’s trainer called a halt to the fight at the end of the third round giving Mayer the win by technical knockout.
It was only the third time Kiss was stopped by knockout. The only other fighter to stop the Hungarian was the aforementioned Amanda Serrano who accomplished the feat twice and is considered one of the top female fighters pound for pound.
Is Mayer ready for a title shot?
“I want to go for the belts,” said Mayer to ESPN’s Bernardo Osuna. “I’m ready to take one of those belts at 130.”
It’s up to her promotion company Top Rank.
(Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank)