(Video) Funny face off features huge height discrepancy reminiscent of a UFC match decade ago

Benny A. King

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, media week hype often involves trash talk, insults, and bravado. However, when two stars lean into their physical attributes, things can take a different turn.

That’s what happened with Pat Barry and Stefan Struve before their UFC on Versus 6 matchup back in 2011, and exactly what transpired late yesterday when Mikaela Mayer faced off with Linardatou for their boxing bout.

Stefan Struve, at 7’0″ tall, towers over Pat Barry, who stands at just 5’11”. Struve’s remarkable height advantage was an opportunity for the two fighters to generate hype and interest for their bout in a different way.

This Saturday’s boxing night at Copper Box Arena in London promises to be an action-packed event, with two high-profile bouts serving as the co-headliners. Undefeated British knockout artist Joe Joyce and former unified junior lightweight champion Mikaela Mayer are set to take center stage and put on a show for the fans.

In the main event, Joyce will put his WBO interim heavyweight belt on the line against Chinese contender and fellow Olympic silver medalist Zhilei Zhang. Joyce has an impressive record of 15-0 with 14 knockouts, making him a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Zhang, on the other hand, has a record of 24-1-1 with 19 KOs and is looking to make a name for himself by taking down Joyce.

The co-feature will see Mayer making her debut at 135 pounds as she takes on former two-time junior welterweight world champion Christina “Medusa” Linardatou in a 10-round battle for the vacant WBC interim lightweight championship.

Mayer, with a record of 17-1 and 5 KOs, is a former unified junior lightweight champion and is looking to make a statement in her new weight class. Linardatou, with a record of 14-2 and 6 KOs, is a tough opponent who has only lost to top-tier boxers.

While not everyone may appreciate the humor in combat sports, it’s refreshing to see the  lighthearted approach to media obligations.