The pound-for-pound clash between reigning IBF welterweight champ Natasha Jonas and American star Mikaela Mayer certainly lived up to the hype.
After 10 rounds of high-contact action, it was Jonas who retained her title via split decision in her home city of Liverpool. However, many fans feel that the bout’s location contributed to this result and that Mayer should have left the ring with a victory.
It was Jonas’ accuracy versus Mayer’s work rate in a bout that will be in the running for Fight of the Year. And even though Mayer didn’t have a rematch clause in her contract, there have been calls for an immediate sequel.
In the pound-for-pound ratings, Jonas retains her spot at No. 6. Mayer, who entered at No. 11, moves up to the No. 9 spot following a terrific performance in defeat.
Through attrition, unified super middleweight champ Savannah Marshall and former super featherweight champ Delfine Persoon move down one place.
Women’s pound-for-pound rankings: The Sporting News’ top 12
| Rank | Fighter | Record | Movement (Jan. 22, 2024) |
| 1 | Claressa Shields |
14-0 (2 KOs) |
– |
| 2 | Katie Taylor | 23-1 (6 KOs) | – |
| 3 | Amanda Serrano | 46-2-1 (30 KOs) | – |
| 4 | Chantelle Cameron | 18-1 (8 KOs) | – |
| 5 | Seniesa Estrada | 25-0 (9 KOs) | – |
| 6 | Natasha Jonas | 15-2-1 (9 KOs) | – |
| 7 | Yakosta Valle | 30-2 (9… |
