Mikaela Mayer & Natasha Jonas in Talks for a Showdown at 147
It’s a new journey for Mikaela Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs). The former unified women’s world junior lightweight champion is in the midst of transitioning to the welterweight division. Her sights are set on obtaining a match with reigning IBF 147-pound champion Natasha Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs).
KNOWING WHAT SHE WANTS
Mayer is coming off an easy unanimous decision win over Silvia Bortot on May 2 in Manchester, England. The bout took place at a catchweight of 142 pounds. Following the victory over Bortot, Mayer talked about the possibility of facing Jonas.
“I’m ready for that fight. I have been preparing my body to go up. It’s a big jump going from 130 to 147 . . . I’m prepared to go to 147, I’m prepared to take on Natasha Jonas, right away.”
Jonas was in attendance providing ringside commentary for Sky Sports. The welterweight champion expressed a mutual interest in fighting Mayer.
WHY IT MAKES ALL THE SENSE IN THE WORLD
A Jonas title defense against Mayer is an attractive and marketable fight in Great Britain. The welterweight champion is a popular figure in her home country of England. Mayer has a growing fanbase in the UK. She’s done ringside commentary for Sky Sports, and her last three bouts have happened in Great Britain.
During the lead-up to the fight with Bortot, Mayer said that her team had been in talks with Jonas’s promoter, Boxxer. That has fueled speculation that a deal is on the horizon. However, Jonas went to social media to say that’s far from the case.
There is a good business relationship between Boxxer and Mayer’s promoter, Top Rank. From an economic standpoint, the fight makes sense for both women and a marquee matchup in women’s boxing. Despite Jonas’s claims that a deal is far from being finalized, she didn’t deny that discussions have taken place. All signs are pointing towards them fighting at some point in 2024.
Be the first to comment