Sandy Ryan's boxing career has taken off since her professional debut in 2021. The former amateur standout has quickly climbed the ranks, racking up impressive wins and ever-growing paychecks along the way.
Ryan's journey in the ring started long before she turned pro. She grabbed a silver medal at the 2014 World Championships in the light middleweight division. Four years later, she struck gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games as a welterweight.
On July 31, 2021, Ryan stepped into the pro ranks under the Matchroom Boxing banner. She scored a decision win over Kristie Bavington, pocketing a modest $1,500 for her efforts. Little did she know, those earnings would soon skyrocket.
The Derby-born fighter's big break came in 2023 when she faced Marie Pier House for the vacant WBO welterweight title. Ryan not only claimed the belt but also her first six-figure payday, taking home $175,000.
Her star continued to rise with successful title defenses against Jessica McCaskill and Terri Harper, earning $200,000 and $250,000 respectively. These victories set the stage for a massive showdown with Mikaela Mayer in September 2024.
The Mayer fight proved to be Ryan's most lucrative to date. Despite losing her title, she walked away with a whopping $1.5 million - $425,000 base pay plus a $1,075,000 share of the pay-per-view revenue.
Ryan's rapid rise hasn't been without controversy. She claims an attack by an unknown assailant, who allegedly hit her with a paint can, affected her performance against Mayer. This incident led Ryan to demand an immediate rematch.
"I wasn't at my best that night. Someone hit me with a paint can before the fight, and it really threw me off. I know I can beat Mayer, and I want the chance to prove it," Ryan stated in a post-fight interview.
Ryan will get her wish. On March 29, 2025, she'll face Mayer again with a guaranteed purse of $350,000. If the pay-per-view performs well, exceeding 400,000 buys, she could pocket an additional $400,000.
All these paydays have significantly boosted Ryan's bank account. Essentially Sports and Sporty Salaries estimate her net worth between $1.5 million and $2 million.
From a $1,500 debut to million-dollar paydays, Sandy Ryan's career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. With the Mayer rematch on the horizon, fans can't wait to see what's next for this rising star of women's boxing.
