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.
