Natasha Jonas retained the IBF 140-pound title with a hard-fought 10-round cut up determination over Mikaela Mayer on Saturday on the Echo Enviornment in her native Liverpool, England.
Jonas (15-2-1, 9 KOs) received off to a quick begin, beating Mayer to the punch and maneuvering out of hurt’s method, however the common 2012 Olympian needed to stand up to a tough rally from the American down the stretch of the entertaining battle to win by scores of 96-94 and 96-95. The third choose scored the bout 97-93 for Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs), an completed 2016 Olympian who pressed the nimble southpaw all through the battle, touchdown straight rights within the first half (sufficient to swell Jonas’ left eye by the tip of the bout) and connecting with hooks and physique photographs through the late rounds.
Nevertheless, it was Jonas who landed the telling blows through the first half. She flashed the sooner palms, the higher timing and superior footwork, repeatedly getting off first whereas making Mayer miss.
“I feel a great begin, touchdown exhausting and correct photographs, received me via,” Jonas mentioned after the bout.
Mayer stepped up her strain and her punch output in Spherical 5, however nonetheless had hassle reducing off the ring or preserving Jonas on the ropes. Nevertheless, by Spherical 7, a probably winded Jonas was extra prepared to face her floor and the 2 veterans battled it out within the heart of the ring.
“We knew it was going to be [a barnburner]. It takes two to tango,” mentioned Jonas.
“I knew it was going to be a battle, continuous punches,” mentioned Mayer, who was capable of press Jonas to the ropes and maintain her there throughout Spherical 8. The 33-year-old native of Woodland Hills, California saved the warmth on Jonas within the ultimate two rounds. It was a hotly contested battle and even in Liverpool, the end result was doubtful.
“I do know she’s going to be devastated as a result of I’ve been there,” mentioned Jonas, who dropped a detailed unanimous determination to undisputed light-weight champ Katie Taylor in 2021 earlier than unifying 154-pound belts and successful the Ring Journal junior middleweight title in 2022.
“She’s within the high two that I’ve fought. I would like opponents like her to convey out my finest. Please [Mikaela], use this as motivation and go on the market and get your world title.”
Mayer, a former unified Ring Journal junior light-weight champ who misplaced her 130-pound titles through split-decision to Alycia Baumgardner in 2022, was gracious in defeat however maintained that her hand ought to have been raised. She’s motivated for a rematch.
“I feel you would see on the finish [I got the better of Natasha],” mentioned Mayer. “I assumed I did sufficient to win. She gained the primary two rounds, however then I outpunched her and landed the cleaner photographs. The battle is price seeing once more. I hope Tasha is a stand-up champ and offers me the rematch.”
If it’s going to occur it appears to be like prefer it should be executed this yr. Jonas says she’s not thinking about combating into her 40s.
“That is most likely my final yr in boxing,” Jonas advised the adoring Liverpool crowd.