Jonas Seeking a Definitive Title Defense Against Mikaela Mayer
Natasha Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) is just a few days from making the second defense of the IBF women’s welterweight title against the former unified junior lightweight champion, Mikaela Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), on January 20. Fighting in her hometown of Liverpool, England, Jonas plans to pass this upcoming test with flying colors.
RIDING A BIG WAVE OF MOMENTUM
It’s been a fantastic run for Jonas. In 2022, she became a unified champion at 154 and was named 3kingsboxing.com’s Female Fighter of the Year. In her most recent outing, she went down in weight and won the vacant IBF 147-pound strap with an eight-round stoppage over Kandi Wyatt in July 2023.
Jonas now fights Mayer, someone highly regarded by boxing observers. Following a bitter defeat to rival Alycia Baumgardner in an October 2022 130-pound showdown, Mayer decided it was time to rise in weight. Following a win over Silvia Bortot in September 2023, Mayer announced she’s targeting a fight against Jonas at welterweight.
READY FOR THE TASK AT HAND
This fight is considered a marquee matchup for women’s boxing. During an exclusive interview with British outlet talkSPORT, the IBF champion said she draws strength from her experience and resolve, and is unfazed by any outside hype.
“I’m an athlete who takes pride in how she performs. I like to think that I give one hundred percent every time. I wear my heart on my sleeve. So, it’s that more than anything else. I try not to put any added pressure on myself.”
The champion understands what type of opponent she’s dealing with. But in the end, Jonas is confident of retaining the IBF world belt.
“I expect Mikaela Mayer to be the best win on my record.”
Jonas is in the upper echelon of women’s boxing. She plans to keep it that way on January 20.
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