Sandy Ryan is in Las Vegas, preparing for a crucial showdown against Mikaela Mayer. The fight takes place just two days from now, marking six months since their first encounter at Madison Square Garden. That match stirred controversy when images of Ryan covered in paint gained widespread attention, and it ultimately ended with the British boxer suffering her second career loss by majority decision.

At Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the 31-year-old is determined to avenge what she believes was a missed opportunity in her career. However, she understands that her opponent won’t make it easy. Despite the challenge ahead, Sandy Ryan remains focused on reclaiming her rightful place in the boxing world. The journey that could propel her toward a potential undisputed status against new unified champion Lauren Price, who recently defeated Natasha Jonas on March 7. As we anticipate this high-stakes battle, let’s take a closer look at some personal details about Sandy Ryan.

Is Sandy Ryan Irish? Ethnicity and nationality

The former IBF welterweight champion was born on September 16, 1993, in Derby, England. She started her professional boxing journey at the age of fourteen, stepping into a boxing gym alongside her brother, Dave, a former professional fighter. From that moment, she developed a deep passion for the sport.

Seven years later, Sandy Ryan represented Britain at the World Championships in Jeju, Korea, winning a silver medal in the light welterweight division. She continued to make her mark in major amateur tournaments, securing a bronze medal at the 2016 European Games and another at the European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Her amateur career peaked in 2018 when she won gold at the Commonwealth Games.

Throughout her international career, Ryan has competed under the British flag. However, in 2023, she revealed an interesting aspect of her heritage. It seems she’d shared an Instagram story that featured an Irish passport. So she wrote, “People didn’t realise I am half Irish till they seen my Irish passport on my Instagram story today😂.”

Which religion does Sandy Ryan follow?

Sandy Ryan has not publicly discussed her religious beliefs. There are no explicit references to her faith in her interviews or social media presence. Given her English and Irish heritage, she may have been exposed to Anglican or Catholic traditions. But there is no confirmed information about her personal beliefs or practices.

However, one particular incident may offer some insight into Sandy Ryan’s religious beliefs. It came to light during last year’s highly anticipated heavyweight unification fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Ahead of the bout, reports suggested that Usyk, who is known for his Orthodox Christian faith and often kisses a Holy Cross gifted to him by a Greek monk between rounds, might not be allowed to do so in their rematch. The speculation sparked debate among fans and fighters alike.

Ryan, who received the ‘Freedom of Derby’ award last year, questioned the potential restriction. So she asked, “What is the reason for this?” Later, when a user jokingly commented, Ryan responded, “The powers of being a believer ✝️.”

With the fight fast approaching, all eyes will be on Sandy Ryan as she looks to reverse last year’s loss to Mikaela Mayer. The road to redemption will be tough, but she has shown resilience throughout her career. Now, it’s time for her to prove once again that she belongs at the top.

Can Sandy Ryan avenge her defeat and reclaim her place among boxing’s elite?