This Saturday (May 17th), ex-champion Mayerlin Rivas of Venezuela and rising Johanna Wonyou will collide in a WBA bantamweight eliminator at Ballin’ Maidstone in the United Kingdom. With a championship opportunity hanging in the balance, neither fighter can afford a misstep. Scheduled for ten rounds, the fight is a classic clash of youth vs. experience. Wonyou will look to use her movement and speed to outbox the Venezuelan, while Rivas aims to turn it into a physical, punishing affair where her strength and veteran savvy can shine. Rivas, now 37, is on a mission to climb back to the sport’s summit. The former 122-pound champion has weathered the highs and lows of a long career, and still packs the power and grit that once made her one of the most feared names in both the 118 and 122-pound divisions. Her last major win came in 2022, and she now sees this fight as a golden opportunity to prove she still belongs among the elite.

 

At 24 years old, Wonyou enters the bout with a spotless 11-0 record and a growing reputation across the European circuit. Her hand speed, sharp angles, and technical precision have made her a puzzle few opponents have solved — but she’s yet to face anyone with the pedigree and experience of Rivas. Saturday’s bout marks the toughest test of her career so far. This is more than just a bout — it’s a battle for relevance, legacy, and the right to challenge for the WBA world title. Expect fireworks from the opening bell in what promises to be a dramatic and meaningful showdown.