British boxing sensation Natasha Jonas is showing no signs of slowing down as she continues to dominate the ring with her formidable prowess. As she nears the landmark age of 40, Jonas has made it clear that she intends to hang up her gloves while still at the zenith of her career. The Liverpool native has set her sights on retiring within the next year, aiming to conclude her journey on a high note.
A Victorious Path
Jonas recently secured a victory against Mikaela Mayer in a bout that took place in her hometown of Liverpool, England. The fight, which was determined by split decision, added another triumph to Jonas' impressive record, which now stands at 15 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 9 of those victories coming by way of knockout. On the other side, Mayer's record moved to 19 wins and 2 losses, with 5 KOs to her name.
The British boxer's career has been marked by significant achievements, including reaching the quarterfinals in the 2012 London Olympics. Her professional accomplishments have seen her capture four major titles across two weight divisions. Notably, Jonas had a draw with Terri Harper in August 2020 and narrowly missed out on a win against Katie Taylor in May 2021.
Recent Triumphs
Jonas' recent string of successes has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has won five consecutive title fights, showcasing her skill and determination in the squared circle. In 2022, Jonas continued to add to her legacy by securing multiple titles. Among these victories was a notable defense of her IBF title against Kandi Wyatt, where she emerged victorious through a knockout.
In addition to defending her IBF title against Wyatt, Jonas also successfully retained her title in the fight against Mayer. This victory further solidified her status as a dominant force in women's boxing and underscored her potential for unifying titles or taking on other high-profile fights before considering retirement.
Looking Ahead
As Jonas contemplates her future in the sport, there are several opportunities on the horizon. Jessica McCaskill, the current lineal, WBC, and WBA champion, is slated to face Ivana Habazin on April 20 in Croatia. This upcoming match could potentially set the stage for a future clash with Jonas, should she decide to pursue a unification bout.
Jonas herself has expressed a pragmatic approach to her remaining time in the sport. "Unfortunately, I can’t be around forever," she acknowledged, signaling an awareness of the inevitable transition that awaits every athlete. Her determination to make her final year one for the history books is evident. "This is probably my last year in boxing. We want to make it the best chapter in the book," Jonas stated, reflecting her ambition to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Behind her success is a team that meticulously plans each step of her career. "Ben [Shalom] keeps providing me with the opportunities," Jonas remarked, citing the support she receives from her promoter. Together with her trainer Joe Gallagher, they assess all available options, ensuring that each decision aligns with what is best for her career trajectory.
With retirement on the horizon, Jonas' focus remains unwavering. Each fight, each training session, and each strategic move is executed with the intent of crafting a legacy that will resonate long after she exits the ring. For fans of the sport and aspiring boxers alike, Natasha Jonas' career serves as a testament to the heights that can be reached through dedication, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the clock ticks down on what has been an illustrious career, the boxing community watches with anticipation to see how Natasha Jonas will cap off her remarkable journey. Whatever challenges and triumphs lie ahead, Jonas is poised to face them with the same grit and grace that have defined her time in the sport. And when the final bell rings, she will undoubtedly leave behind a storied legacy that will inspire generations to come.
