Natasha Jonas Makes History, Unifies Second Weight Class!

December 14, 2024
2 months
Natasha Jonas Makes History, Unifies Second Weight Class!

Natasha Jonas made history by unifying in a second weight class after beating Ivana Habazin in a unanimous decision in their welterweight clash. 

Jonas entered the bout as the IBF Welterweight Champion, as she picked up the WBC belt. She had plenty to prove, given the criticism over her last performance against Mikaela Mayer. Jonas came through with a controversial split decision win. Natasha had plenty to prove, as she was fighting in her hometown of Liverpool. Jonas knew a win would set up a fight with the WBA Welterweight Champion Lauren Price. Jonas delivered to unify in a second weight class after doing so at 154 with a classy performance.

It was a cautious opener, with both fighters trying to feel each other out. Habazin stepped in the center. However, Jonas was the more accurate fighter, landing a left hook to the midsection. The plan was to slow down Habazin, who was aiming to set a fast pace. Jonas continued her impressive early start in round two. She connected with numerous left hands and a right to the body. Habazin was falling short with her punches. Jonas punished her opponent with a left cross and a right hook in a strong third round.

Jonas Dominates

But Jonas’ best shot landed in the fourth. A right hook wobbled Habazin, who had slowed down considerably. While Habazin found her composure in the fifth round, she had to regroup quickly if she had a chance of winning. But it was much the same. Jonas’ left hook and uppercut buzzed Habazin in round seven. Another right hand troubled Habazin. Habazin became increasingly desperate as she became more reckless. Natasha landed a clean right hook counter in the ninth round as Habazin tried to get on the inside.

Jonas kept her composure to win a dominant decision. The judges scored it as follows: 99-92, 99-91 and 100-90. The attention naturally turned towards Jonas’ next steps. Price had beaten Bexcy Mateus earlier on with an impressive third-round TKO. Price joined Jonas in the ring. She was impressed by Jonas’ win, indicating her desire to make that fight next. The pair doubled down on their belief that they would beat each other, setting up a domestic clash for 2025.

Post-Fight

“I just want to thank everyone who has come out for the 20 years you have supported me. I am so proud to represent this city. [And] I am my own biggest critic. You just have to adapt as you go through the rounds. I was a bit off it in parts but that’s why I wanted a warm-up. [And] I think I hurt her in one of the earlier rounds. “I probably made myself tired overtrying to get her out of there. I can look forward to Christmas now. [And] I think I’ve got 22 people to make roast potatoes for on Christmas Day. “My story doesn’t end here and it won’t end against Lauren Price either,” Jonas

“I can’t give it away too much. “It’s early next year [Jonas v Price]. That’s it really. “If it was down to me, we would have been fighting here tonight. “She doesn’t want the fight, I get it. “I’m in my prime, she’s coming towards the end of her career, I respect that, but I believe I win that fight,” Price

“Careful what you wish for,” Jonas

“Too young, too quick, too good,” Price 

“Not as good as you think you are,” Jonas

Full Card

Natasha Jonas beat Ivana Habazin by a unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 99-92)

Lauren Price beat Bexcy Mateus by TKO (R3)

Lee Cutler beat Stephen McKenna by a majority decision (95-93, 96-92, 94-94)

Mark Jeffers beat Joshua Quartey by TKO (R3)

Viddal Riley beat Dan Garber by TKO (R2)

Frankie Stringer beat Tatenda Mangombe on points (60-54)

Mikie Tallon beat Benn Norman on points (59-54)

Mason Cartwright beat Dzmitry Atrokhau on points (60-54)

Jamie Devine beat Jayro Fernando Duran on points (40-36)

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