Natasha Jonas was pushed to the limit, but retained her IBF welterweight title with a split decision win over American Mikaela Mayer in a thriller in Liverpool.
Jonas got off to a strong start in his first defense of the world title he won by defeating Kandi Wyatt last July, but Mayer has steadily grown into his game and has been the better of the two in several heated bouts. I was extremely busy.
It was an all-action contest, but Jonas, despite suffering a cut below his left eye, held his arm high at the final bell.A third judge sided with Mayer, making it 96-94. A 96-95 decision was awarded. 97-93.
The result divided opinion on social media, but Jonas suggested 2024 would be his last year in the sport after improving his local record to 15-2-1.
The 39-year-old takes the crown at 147 pounds after winning six consecutive fights and becoming the unified world light middleweight champion since losing on points to longtime rival Katie Taylor in May 2021. He retired until.
She told Sky Sports: “Unfortunately, I can't be here forever. This is probably the last year of my boxing career, so I want this to be the best chapter in the book.”
A rematch with the former unified world super-featherweight champion and opponent six years his junior, who fought for the first time at welterweight on Saturday night, would certainly be welcomed. “She's one of the top two fighters I've ever fought,” Jonas said. “She's a very skilled operator and I think her time will come again.” She has already defeated many champions here.
“That little bit of fear brings out the best in me. You need someone like her to tango. I didn't mean to disrespect guys like Kandi Wyatt, but I knew I had the upper hand. I knew I was going to win.”
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Meyer, who suffered his second loss in 21 fights, is looking for a chance to get revenge on Jonas. She said: “I thought I did enough to win. I probably gave her the first round or two, but after that I feel like I outplayed her and made some cleaner shots. I think that fight is worth watching again.
“I just hope Natasha becomes a stand-up champion like she did and gives the belt another shot. I feel like I deserve it.”
