Women’s boxing gets a major spotlight when Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer headline a fight for the former’s IBF welterweight title on January 20. In Liverpool, the fight airs on ESPN+ in the U.S.
Jonas was the first British female boxer to compete at the Olympics in 2012. After failing to capture super featherweight and lightweight gold, the 39-year-old beat Chris Namus in 2022 for the WBO super welterweight title. She added more gold in 2022 after beating Patricia Berghult and Marie-Eve Dicaire for the IBF and WBC titles. Jonas moved in weight in July to beat Kandi Wyatt for the IBF welterweight title.
Mayer turned pro in 2017 with Top Rank and beat Ewa Brodnicka for the WBO super featherweight title in 2020. She beat Maiva Hamadouche in 2021 to win the IBF and Ring titles. The 2011 National Golden Gloves champion lost the belts against Alycia Baumgardner in 2022 and has since bounced around divisions. Welterweight will be her third weight class since the Baumgardner loss.
Per Bet MGM, Jonas is the -110 favorite, while Mayer is the +100 underdog. Mayer attempts to take over another weight class, which, in the past, has proven easier said than done. Can the former champion defy the odds, or is welterweight Jonas’ domain?
WATCH: Natasha Jonas…
