Alycia Baumgardner is ready to prove she’s the best super featherweight in the world when she takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the undisputed championship on Saturday in New York.
Baumgardner, 28, is the WBC, WBO and IBF champion and is fighting Frenchman Mekhaled for the vacant WBA title.
The American wants to leave her “footprint” on the history of boxing.
“I know I will go down as one of the greatest female fighters of all time,” Baumgardner said.
“You might see a smile on a pretty girl, but don’t twist it, I’ve got the dog in me.”
Baumgardner is the favorite in the contest after seven straight wins since her split decision loss to Christina Linardatou in 2018.
The Ohio native stripped Terri Harper and Mikaela Mayer of their world titles as she headed into contention for the undisputed crown, and was an underdog in both of those fights.
American rival Mayer has called for an immediate rematch after their hotly contested match in London last October, but Baumgardner decided to fight for the undisputed championship instead.
“She’s delirious and so salty,” Baumgardner said of Mayer.
“When you have everything and you’re the star, and you lose it all overnight, and you lose it to little old AB, it hurts, it stings.”
Mekhaled, 31, is undefeated in her professional career with 14 wins and was drafted into the contest after defending champion Hyun Mi Choi was named the ‘recess champion’ due to injury.
“I just believe Mayer was beaten by one of the best fighters in the world,” Baumgardner added.
“I’m the best in the world. Nobody stops me but me. I took an early defeat, swept it away, learned from it and grew.
“I went to England as an underdog against Harper and Mayer and proved everyone wrong.”
Baumgardner fights on Amanda Serrano’s featherweight contest undercard against Erika Cruz in an undisputed double-header at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden.
