Jonas and Habazin Face Off In Final Presser

December 12, 2024

1 month

Jonas and Habazin Face Off In Final Presser

Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin held their final pre-fight presser ahead of their unification at welterweight.

Jonas defends her IBF Welterweight Title with the aim of unifying a second division after her feat at 154 pounds. Jonas secured a controversial win over Mikaela Mayer in her last fight via a split decision. Mayer was adamant that she should have been crowned champion. Jonas fights in her hometown from the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool in an attempt to get Habazin’s WBC belt. Habazin won the vacant WBC belt after beating Kinga Magyar in her last fight. The challenger addressed Jonas’ win over Mayer, saying Natasha did not deserve the win.

“For me, I thought the fight was a draw and Natasha got the hometown decision. Natasha started well, and Mikaela came on stronger in the later rounds. I think Mikaela hurt Natasha a few times but couldn’t finish her. There’s a lot I’ve taken from that fight. I saw some things that will really help me. Of course, every fighter is different, and every style is different, but I’ve prepared myself well and I believe I will be victorious…I’ve been doing everything to make sure I don’t leave any doubt for the judges,” Habazin stated

Jonas Vs. Habazin

This is another step up in class after having previously come up short against Cecilia Brækhus and Claressa Shields. She has youth on her side, as the 35-year-old faces Jonas, who is 40. The winner knows they will put themselves in a position to face either Mayaer, who holds the WBO belt, or Lauren Price, who has the WBA title. Alternatively, there is a lucrative rematch in place. Jonas has already said that she wants the Price fight next.

Price is 7-0 and an Olympic Gold medalist. She beat Jessica McCaskill in her previous bout to win the WBA Welterweight Title. Price boxes Bexcy Mateus on the Jonas-Habazin card. Bexcy is also undefeated, with a 7-0 record. She has six knockouts wins, beating Paulina Cardona in her last fight. If Jonas and Price win their next fights, that could be the fight that gets made. Jonas wanted that fight, but she also hit back at Habazin’s comments about the Mayer fight.

“I watched the fight back, I appreciate some rounds were close, but I think I won. It is what it is, the judges thought the same,” Jones said

“It’s a fight that I’ve signed an extension for. It’s a fight that’s definitely on the cards if we both come through. But I’m not trying to look past the one that’s in front of me. I’ve just got to do my part, which is beat Habazin, so that’s what I’m focused on,” Jonas stated