Jonas Retains Title in Controversial Victory Over Mayer
In a closely contested bout, Natasha Jonas successfully defended her IBF welterweight world championship against Mikaela Mayer with a split decision win. The match, which spanned the full ten rounds, took place in Liverpool and ended amidst a swirl of controversy due to the judges' scorecards.Despite one judge scoring the fight in favor of Mayer, the remaining two judges saw Jonas as the victor, which ultimately secured her championship retention. Jonas herself felt confident in her performance, believing she had a clear two-round advantage by the fight's conclusion.
"I thought I was comfortably two rounds up at the end," Jonas stated, reflecting on her victory. However, Mayer did not share this sentiment, expressing disagreement with the decision that left the championship title beyond her grasp.
Middle Rounds Challenge
Jonas acknowledged that she encountered some difficulties during the middle segments of the fight, "I grinded it out. I made it a little bit uncomfortable for myself in the middle rounds," she admitted. Despite these challenges, Jonas stood firm in her belief that she emerged as the rightful winner. "Again I won, that's all I can say. I won."
She further elaborated on the unpredictability of boxing judgments, saying, "Sometimes you can box brilliantly and lose or draw, whatever it is, and the decision doesn't go your way and sometimes you can scrape a win and I think I did that."
Trainer's Support
Throughout her career, Jonas has placed significant trust in her trainer, Joe Gallagher, whose round-by-round judgment aligned with her own assessment of the fight. This mutual agreement between boxer and trainer underscores the confidence within Jonas's camp regarding the outcome of the match.
Potential Rematch and Future Opponents
When discussing the possibility of a rematch with Mayer, Jonas remained open-minded. "Of course that will be an option," she confirmed. However, before making any decisions about her next opponent, Jonas plans to carefully weigh her options. "We're going to sit down and see what opportunities are available and I'll choose the best one for me," she said, indicating a strategic approach to her career trajectory.
With several potential contenders on the horizon, including Lauren Price, Jessica McCaskill, and Katie Taylor, Jonas is not short of high-caliber opponents to consider. She expressed a readiness to face any of these fighters, stating, "If that's Mikaela Mayer, we'll choose Mikaela Mayer. If that's Lauren Price, we choose her. If that's Jessica McCaskill, we choose her. If that's Katie Taylor, we choose her."
Respect for the Professional Journey
Jonas also took a moment to reflect on the professional journey both she and Mayer have undertaken. Having both been part of the Olympic cycle and the arduous road through amateur ranks to elite-level competition, Jonas respects the dedication and hard work required to reach their current standing. "It was hard work, exactly what I thought. Two class operators and two top-class female fighters who have been well schooled, been in the Olympic cycle, been the hard route, been in through the amateurs and that elite level," she remarked.
The fight between Jonas and Mayer may have concluded, but the discussions surrounding it are far from over. With the prospect of a rematch on the table and other formidable opponents vying for a shot at the title, the future of women's welterweight boxing looks to be as thrilling as ever. As Jonas deliberates her next move, fans and analysts alike will eagerly await the announcement of who will step into the ring to challenge the champion next.
For now, Jonas can bask in the glory of her successful title defense, even as the debate over the judges' decision continues to stir conversation in the boxing community. Her determination and resilience inside the ring have once again proven pivotal, and no matter the opponent she faces in the future, Jonas has solidified her status as a formidable champion in the world of boxing.