THE RESULT: Benefitting maybe from being at residence, the favored Natasha Jonas retained her IBF welterweight title with a 10-round break up determination over Mikaela Mayer tonight (January 20) in Liverpool. A battle stuffed with frenetic exchanges and shifts in momentum, Jonas began effectively, struggled considerably within the center rounds, after which got here on sturdy once more within the closing two, which in the end gave her the sting over Mayer by scores of 96-94 and 96-95, with one choose going for Mayer by 97-93.
KEY MOMENTS: Somewhat than a battle of key moments, or dramatic flashpoints, Jonas vs. Mayer was as a substitute attention-grabbing on account of it being stuffed with motion and constant back-and-forth exchanges. If pushed to be particular, although, a left hook to the body-left hook to the pinnacle mixture from Mayer in spherical 4 caught the attention, as did left uppercut to the physique from Jonas in spherical 5. Along with this, there have been large pictures landed by each within the closing couple of rounds, together with a strong left hook from Mayer within the final, with each fighters eager to do all they might to sway the judges.
RECORDS: The 39-year-old Jonas’ file now stands at 15-2-1 (9), whereas Mayer, 33, falls to 19-2 (5).
TALKING POINT: It must be mentioned, Jonas vs. Mayer obtained off to a really bizarre begin. For one, nationwide anthems had been for some cause being sung – why? – after which, to make issues weirder, each anthems, the British and the American one, had been booed by followers within the enviornment; apparently British followers don’t just like the American anthem and Scousers don’t just like the British anthem. Anyway, some comfort was the looks of Jane Sofa, who walked Natasha Jonas to the ring, and likewise the battle itself, which greater than delivered by way of two-way motion.
QUOTABLE: “We at all times knew it was going to be (an important battle),” mentioned Jonas. “I do know this woman right here (Mayer) goes to be completely devastated with that consequence – I’ve been there – however she is without doubt one of the high two folks I’ve fought. She is a really expert operator and can go on to develop into a two-weight champion. I mentioned it from the beginning, that little little bit of worry issue brings out the most effective in me.” As for what obtained her the nod on the playing cards, Jonas mentioned: “I feel begin, more durable, cleaner pictures, and I got here on sturdy on the finish.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? “That is most likely my final yr in boxing and we need to make it the most effective chapter of the e-book,” mentioned Jonas, who, if on the lookout for one other big-name opponent, might find yourself combating Mayer once more pretty quickly. Mayer actually appeared desirous about operating it again when talking to Andy Scott within the ring after the battle. “I really feel like I deserve it, and I feel the followers deserve it,” mentioned the American. “I feel rematches ought to solely occur in the event that they warrant it and I feel this battle does. I’d like to do it once more.”