Layla McCarter Checks In On Showtime’s Shields & Hammer Showcase (And More)

WIBF and GBU Welterweight champion Layla McCarter weighs in on the state of women’s boxing in the wake of Shields vs Gabriels

Earlier in June, 8-time champion Layla “Amazing” McCarter – a world champion in five weight divisions – traveled overseas to make her first defense of her WIBF and GBU Welterweight titles. She successfully retained her titles via a 10-round unanimous decision over Eva Bajic, June 16 at Germany’s Wildparkstadion.

McCarter (42-13-5, 11 KOs) won’t return from Europe to the U.S. until mid-July. But in the wake of Showtime Boxing’s historic Shields vs. Gabriels and Hammer vs. Nelson card last Friday, it seemed imperative to seek out the thoughts of one of women’s boxing’s hardest working fighters – and illustrious champions.

The gracious champion took the time to reply to some questions after resolving a brief stint of homelessness in Amsterdam.

Women Of Boxing: You’re part of the Mayweather Promotions roster. Nobody in boxing has a better relationship with Showtime than Floyd. Has their investment in Claressa Shields affected there being opportunities for you on their platform?

Layla McCarter: No, Showtime’s investment in Shields has not affected my opportunities with Showtime. They (Showtime and Stephen Espinoza) are ready to put me on Showtime Championship Boxing cards. Shields fights on Shobox for now. I’m aiming for bigger opportunities and money. If and when Mr. Floyd Mayweather, my promoter, decides to make it happen, it will be done. For now, it looks like he is enjoying his well deserved retirement so [sic] may not be paying attention, but I’m not retired. I will continue to box and seek opportunity.

I should fight again for Mayweather Promotions in early August. 10 rounds.

WoB: Did you foresee Hanna Gabriels having the early success we saw against Shields? What is your overall reaction to the Shields-Gabriels fight?

LM: Shields vs Gabriels. I did think Gabriels would provide Shields’ toughest test to date. I think she delivered. I didn’t see the entire fight, just the highlights, but it looks like Gabriels was moving well and was in great shape. Shields to her credit, overcame the adversity and did what she’s done her entire boxing life…she won.

WoB: Did Christina Hammer exceed your expectations of her in her win versus Tori Nelson?

LM: Hammer looked very sharp. Outside fighting is her game. She’s a big girl who can box and put punches together. I was impressed with her performance. She will need to work on her inside game too for the fight versus Shields to give herself a better edge.

Shields to her credit, overcame the adversity and did what she’s done her entire boxing life…she won.

WoB: How did the Showtime card compare to HBO’s Braekhus vs. Reis moment, the opener for May’s Golovkin-Martirosyan, in terms of its impact on the momentum of women’s boxing?

LM: I think the Showtime card was better women’s boxing because it featured two fights that will inevitably promote the fight between the two victors. A real attempt to create interest and future fights for women. HBO featured Breakhus because of [sic] GGG relationship and K2 promotions. HBO is unlikely to feature another. They advertised Braekhus as the P4P best, best female boxer, etc. If that is the best women’s boxing has, it doesn’t look good for the home team! There are better boxers that don’t have the platform of a good promoter.

WoB: What would you like to see the big moment of the second half of 2018 be for women’s boxing?

LM: I’d like to see the Hammer vs. Shields fight. It would be great to see Katie Taylor take on a good opponent too. She’s a good fighter who is classy and humble. A great representative.

WoB: Will you monitor whether Shields continues to come down in weight, in hopes of a possible fight with Braekhus, and see if it’s a chance for you to face Shields?

LM: Of course I keep tabs on anyone in, and near, my weight class to see any possible match ups. I’ve been fighting at welterweight but I’m naturally lighter – 135-140 pounds. I fought at 154 pounds a few times, even winning the WBA world title in South Africa in 2012. It is quite a stretch and would have to be worth it to compete at that weight. I don’t think Shields can make 147. We’ll see what happens.

If that is the best women’s boxing has, it doesn’t look good for the home team!

WoB: Describe your level of love towards women’s boxing, or thoughts on what lies ahead for L. McCarter?

LM: Boxing is my heart and soul. Like an old marriage however, passions can dim and die. Like, “I love you boxing, but I’m not IN love with you.” Something like that. Lol

Still stoking the embers of what was once a great fire. I think I can revive it with the right opportunity and incentive.

I ‘know’, not I ‘think.’

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Promoter:
Mayweather Promotions