Natasha Jonas wants to build on success, starting with Mikaela Mayer
Natasha Jonas has become a two-division titleholder and established herself as one of the biggest stars in women’s boxing.
Now her goal is to build her legacy.
The 147-pounder is scheduled to defend her 147-pound belt against former unified 130-pound champ Mikaela Mayer on Saturday in Liverpool, England, Jonas’ hometown (ESPN+).
Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs) also is considered one of the best in the business.
“For me to class myself as one of the best in this era, I have to fight the best,” Jonas said at a news conference Thursday, per Sky Sports. “I look at some of the boxers on the list, the Katie Taylors, the Chantelle Camerons. They’ve beaten people in that Top 10 pound-for-pound list and for me to be able to solidify a legacy for myself, I have to do the same.”
Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) hit a roadblock in 2021, when she lost a close decision to lightweight champion and superstar Katie Taylor.
However, she has won five consecutive fights since the setback, including world title fights at junior middleweight and then welterweight. She won her 147-title by stopping Kandi Wyatt in eight rounds last July.
Jonas, 39, seems to be hitting her stride as a fighter when most of her peers have already retired.
“Natasha isn’t just your normal fighter, she’s something special,” said her trainer, Joe Gallagher. “Everything she touches, she turns to gold. She’s right up there with the best I’ve ever trained.”
Mayer’s longtime trainer, At Mitchell, praised both boxers for agreeing to accept a difficult assignment, which he believes will produce an epic battle.
“I think this is the Tommy Hearns and Hagler fight, only it’s two women,” Mitchell said. … “We should get more boxers like this. They’re not throwing anything at each other, they’re just focusing on this fight.
“We need more men like these two ladies. They’re stepping up. They don’t care who they fight.”