What’s Next For Natasha Jonas?
Natasha Jonas defeated Ivana Habazin to become a unified champion at 147, raising questions over her next steps.
Jonas defended her IBF Welterweight Title and picked up Habazin’s WBC belt in a classy performance. She silenced her critics from the Mikaela Mayer fight, where some in the boxing community had her losing despite coming through with a split decision win. The victory means it is the second weight class that Natasha has unified in following her exploits at 154 pounds. It puts her in a position to face Lauren Price, the WBA Welterweight Champion. Price came through her fight, beating Bexcy Mateus on the same card.
The Price fight will not be an easy bout. Price is now undefeated with an 8-0 record. She also secured an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020, as she is seen as the future of the welterweight division. Price is also significantly younger at 30, compared to Jonas, who is 40. But Jonas has more experience under her belt, making it an intriguing fight. Before their fights, Jonas and Price were clear they wanted this bout.
Jonas Vs. Price
“I’m contracted to do that [Price] fight, that’s the fight I’ve signed up for, but so many things happen and you have to win the fight in front of you. Like Habazin said it’s disrespectful to keep mentioning me and Lauren in front of her before Saturday,” Jonas said
“Of course I want that fight. I have respect for Tash and it’s a great British fight, we both have a job to do Saturday and I believe we both do that in style. But 2025 is a big year, when I turned over I wanted to create greatness and create a legacy and follow in the footsteps of Joe Calzaghe, that’s a massive fight for not only women’s boxing but boxing in general,” Price stated
Jonas could also pursue a rematch with Mayer. Mayer bounced back from her loss to Jonas by securing the WBO Welterweight Title. Mayer defeated Sandy Ryan in her last fight in a tough majority decision to pick up the WBO belt. The Mayer fight also offers Jonas a chance to add another belt and arguably have a fight that is bigger for her global appeal. Mayer has said previously that she wants the chance to run things back.
Other Options
“At the end of the day I think that fight is worth seeing again, like she said, one of the toughest fights she’s had. I think the fans really enjoyed it. I didn’t have a rematch clause on my side but I’m hoping we can get this fight done again for the fans if they want it,” Mayer revealed
There is an outside chance of targeting a fight with Katie Taylor. Jonas only has two losses on her record, one of which was against Taylor in 2021. Since then, Taylor has gone on to become undisputed in two weight classes at 135 and 140. Taylor is also coming off her second win against Amanda Serrano. While the Serrano trilogy is likely, Jonas could put her name into the mix. That leaves her with plenty to ponder moving forward.
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