Sandy Ryan (born 16 September 1993) is an English professional boxer who is a two-weight world champion. She has held the WBC female light-welterweight title since February 2026 and was WBO female welterweight title holder from April 2023 until September 2024.
Amateur career
On her senior championship debut in 2014, she won a World Championship silver medal.[1]
Representing England, Ryan won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia beating Rosie Eccles from Wales by split decision (3:2) in the welterweight final.[2]
In 2019 Ryan was selected to compete at the World Championships in Ulan-Ude, Russia,[3] where she lost by split decision (4:1) to Christina Desmond in the round of 32.[4]
Professional career
In 2021 it was confirmed that Ryan has agreed terms to turn professional with Matchroom Sport.[5] She made her pro-debut on 31 July 2021 defeating Kirstie Bavington on points in a six-round contest held at Matchroom HQ Garden in Brentwood, England.[6]
Ryan vs Pier Houle
On April 22, 2023 at Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales, Ryan defeated Marie Pier Houle by unanimous decision and earned the vacant WBO welterweight title.[7][8]
Ryan vs McCaskill
On September 23, 2023 at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, Ryan faced Jessica McCaskill in the welterweight championship unification.[9] The fight ended in a split draw.[10]
Ryan vs Harper
On 23 March 2024 in Sheffield, England, Ryan defeated Terri Harper via fourth-round retirement and retained her WBO welterweight title.[11]
Ryan vs Mayer
Ryan was scheduled to defend her WBO welterweight title against Mikaela Mayer in New York on 27 September 2024.[12] She lost the fight by majority decision.[13] On the day of the fight, while leaving to the event, she was hit by a tin of paint at her hotel.[14] Two days after the fight Ryan demanded an immediate rematch in light of the paint incident and alleged threats against her and her support team.[15]
Ryan vs. Mayer 2
Ryan faced Mikaela Mayer in a rematch for the WBO welterweight title at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on 29 March 2025. She lost by unanimous decision.[16][17][18]
Ryan vs. Grierson
Ryan got back to winning ways in her next fight, defeating the previously unbeaten Jade Grierson by unanimous decision at Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-le-Spring on 6 September 2025.[19]
Ryan vs. Zamora
Ryan became a two-weight world champion when she defeated Karla Ramos Zamora via majority decision to win the vacant WBC female light-welterweight title at Nottingham Arena on 21 February 2026. The judges' scorecards were 97–93, 97–93 and 95–95.[20][21]
