Jonas Retains Title in Controversial Split Decision
In a closely contested battle, Natasha Jonas successfully defended her IBF welterweight world championship against challenger Mikaela Mayer, emerging victorious by split decision. The bout, which unfolded over ten grueling rounds in Liverpool, has sparked discussions and debates across the boxing community due to the contentious nature of the judges' scorecards.
While one judge scored the fight in favor of Mayer, the remaining two judges awarded the fight to Jonas, leading to her retention of the title. Despite the controversy, Jonas was confident in her performance, believing she had a clear two-round advantage by the fight's conclusion.
Jonas Reflects on Her Performance
"I thought I was comfortably two rounds up at the end," Jonas stated, reflecting on the intense competition she faced in the ring. "All in all, I won. I grinded it out. I made it a little bit uncomfortable for myself in the middle rounds. Again I won, that's all I can say. I won."
Jonas acknowledged the challenges she encountered, particularly in the middle segments of the match, where she admitted to making things difficult for herself. However, she remained resolute in her belief that despite not delivering a flawless performance, she did enough to secure the win. "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," Jonas added.
Trusting in Team and Strategy
The champion's trust in her corner was evident as she spoke highly of her trainer, Joe Gallagher. Jonas's own assessment of the fight was mirrored by Gallagher's round-by-round judgment, providing her with additional confidence in her victory. This synergy between fighter and trainer often proves crucial in the subjective world of boxing scoring.
Potential Rematch on the Horizon
The possibility of a rematch with Mayer looms as Jonas expressed openness to facing her once more. "Of course that will be an option," she affirmed when discussing her future in the sport. Yet, before committing to her next challenge, Jonas intends to carefully weigh her options alongside her team. "We're going to sit down and see what opportunities are available and I'll choose the best one for me," she said.
With a roster of potential opponents that includes names like Lauren Price, Jessica McCaskill, and Katie Taylor, Jonas is not short on choices for her next title defense. She expressed a pragmatic approach to selecting her next opponent: "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."
A Journey of Respect
Despite the competitive fire that burns within, Jonas also took a moment to acknowledge the shared professional journey and respect between her and Mayer. Both fighters have traversed the arduous path through the Olympic cycle and the amateur ranks to reach the pinnacle of their sport. "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," Jonas reflected.
Mayer, on the other hand, disagreed with the decision, leaving the door open for further rivalry and a potential rematch that could settle the score once and for all. In the meantime, the boxing world eagerly awaits Jonas's decision regarding her next opponent, as she continues to solidify her legacy in the welterweight division.
As the dust settles on this chapter of women's boxing, the debate over the outcome of Jonas versus Mayer is likely to continue. What remains undeniable is the skill and determination both fighters brought to the ring in Liverpool, showcasing the ever-rising quality and excitement of women's boxing on the global stage.