NEWS: ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER SAYS MIKAELA MAYER REMATCH CAN WAIT, UNIFICATION IS FIRST

Alycia Baumgardner is coming off the biggest year of her career -- but she isn't looking backyards.

After making a successful defense of her gold in February, the talented 28-year-old defeated long-time rival Mikaela Mayer in a unification bout in October, handing her fellow American her first defeat as a pro.

Now, with the IBF/WBC/WBO and Ring Magazine Jr. Lightweight titles in her possession, Alycia looks to add the missing jewel. On February 4, Baumgardner will battle Elhem Mekhaled, defending her share of the gold and looking to acquire the vacant WBA title in the process.

While some might have expected -- and preferred -- an immediate rematch with Mayer, Baumgardner feels the decision was fair, and there isn't need for the return contest just yet.

"I dominated that girl (Mayer) from round one to round 10," Baumgardner said, when speaking to Sky Sports. "The judges had it right and that's what we go off, we grabbed the win and keep on pushing.

"...We don't ponder on: 'Could have done this, could have done that.' I won, I became the unified champion of the world and now I can fight for undisputed."

Refreshingly, Baumgardner is staying busy and in attractive fights that add value to her legacy. While I would definitely welcome the Mayer rematch, I can understand the allure of unification, especially in women's boxing.

Unification is there to be had for the women of this sport, so I can see fighters grabbing the opportunity with both hands. If both girls keep winning, there is no reason a return could happen sometime later this year or next -- with possibly more on the line, and more animosity as well.

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