For Sandy Ryan, 2025 could prove pivotal. The opportunity to reclaim her former glory has arrived earlier than expected. Perhaps a sheer providence for the Derby-born former champion. She is set to face a familiar opponent, someone whose fighting style and techniques she knows well. On Saturday night at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Ryan will step into the ring against Mikaela Mayer, aiming to reclaim the IBF welterweight title she lost to the American six months ago.

A victory would do more than restore the English fighter’s reputation, which took a hit following last year’s defeat and the paint controversy that surrounded the fight. It could also set her up for an all-British showdown against reigning unified welterweight champion Lauren Price. Given these stakes, securing her first win on U.S. soil has never been more critical. Could this be a case of third time’s the charm for Ryan? As the boxing world eagerly awaits the rematch, let’s take a look at a more personal aspect of the former champion’s life.

What is Sandy Ryan’s relationship status in 2025?

Seventeen years have passed since Sandy Ryan first laced up her gloves. She was just fourteen when she walked into a boxing gym with her brother, Dave Ryan (17-10-0), a former professional fighter who last fought against former undisputed champion Josh Taylor. That moment sparked a passion for the sport that would define her life.

Boxing demands an extraordinary level of commitment. There are months-long training camps, back-to-back fights, and a rigorous cycle of preparation, competition, and recovery. Unsurprisingly, this lifestyle makes it challenging for fighters to maintain a steady personal life. For Ryan, relationships have remained a private matter, with little to no public disclosure about her dating life. She has not explicitly mentioned a partner, nor have her social media posts provided clear indications of whether she is in a relationship or married. A few years ago, during an interview on iFLTV when her brother Dave asked her on camera about her current relationship status, she replied, “Mind your business.” When the interviewer repeated the question, her answer remained the same. It seems she’s got a lock on her dating status and she’s not about to reveal it anytime soon.

More about Sandy Ryan’s early life

Before turning professional, Sandy Ryan built an exceptional amateur career. Her talent first gained recognition in 2014 when she won a silver medal at the Jeju World Championships. The following year, she secured a bronze at the European Games in Baku. At the 2016 European Championships in Sofia, she repeated the feat. However, her defining moment as an amateur came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, where she clinched gold in the welterweight category. Three years later, Sandy Ryan transitioned into professional boxing.

But the transition wasn’t smooth. A member of Team GB since 2011, Sandy Ryan battled a persistent shoulder injury that eventually required surgery. She hoped to return in time for the Olympic trials after rehabilitation, but the onset of COVID-19 complicated her recovery. When the Olympics were postponed, Ryan hit a mental wall. She lost motivation for training and maintaining proper nutrition. However, her family, especially her brother, played a crucial role in helping her confront her struggles.

On July 31, 2021, she made a successful professional debut. However, she faced her first setback on March 12, 2022, when she lost a ten-round bout to Erica Farias. Undeterred, she rebounded just five months later. Ryan claimed her first title, the WBC International light welterweight championship, with a unanimous victory over Anahi Ester Sanchez.

Her momentum carried into 2023. She successfully defended her regional title before capturing the vacant WBO belt with a decisive win over Marie-Pier House in Cardiff, Wales. Despite a frustrating draw against Jessica McCaskill, Ryan retained her WBO title and went on to defend it with a fourth-round stoppage of Terri Harper in March last year, setting the stage for her clash with Mikaela Mayer.

Fans are hopeful that Ryan can set the record straight and avenge her loss against Mayer. Given the intense hype surrounding their first fight and the anticipation building for the rematch, provided Ryan emerges victorious, a trilogy could be in the making. However, should she win decisively, a high-stakes, undisputed clash against fellow Briton Lauren Price may become an even more enticing possibility.

How do you see the rematch unfolding? Will it go the full distance, or will we witness an early stoppage?