Natasha Jonas aims to defend her IBF welterweight championship in her hometown of Liverpool against weight division debutant Mikaela Mayer.
The Liverpudlian won the belt last time out against Kandi Wyatt in July 2023. In doing so she became the first Scouse two-weight world champion and will aim to represent her city proud again in her homecoming this weekend.
Mikaela Mayer steps up to 147lbs this weekend for the first time as she aims to reinvent herself after losing the undisputed fight to Alicia Baumgarnder down at 130lbs.
Neither fighter is yet to claim a big win against a true name on their resume so Saturday night will prove a huge test for both women. Many pundits and fans believe Jonas should have gotten the nod against Terri Harper.
If Jonas were to lose, it would be harder for her to bounce back given her age, 39, and being at the tail end of her career. She also already has a career lined up working for Sky Sports as a pundit, where she has already found success, and that plus the fight taking place in her hometown could see this be a perfect send-off for the two-weight world champion.
Where To Watch Natasha Jonas Vs. Mikaela Mayer
The main event ring walks are due to take place at around 10pm Saturday night. The fight will go down on:
UK – Sky Sports Action
US – ESPN+
What Do The Odds Say?
The hometown champion, and more natural welterweight, is a slight favourite heading into the weekend.
Natasha Jonas 10/11 or 1.91 (Coral, Ladbrokes)
Mikaela Mayer 6/5 or 2.20 (888Sport, Quinnbet)
The power is favoured towards Jonas, especially given Mayer only has five finishes, the last of which coming in 2019.
Natasha Jonas finished Kandi Wyatt as Marcus McDonnell had seen enough and waved off the fight after a sharp one-two from the 39-year-old.
Jonas has finished two of her last five opponents and the odds of a finish from the champion is very tempting.
Safe option: Natasha Jonas by Decision or Techincal Decision – 6/5 or 2.20 (Coral, Ladbrokes)
Risk option: Natasha Jonas by KO, TKO or Disqualification – 23/2 or 12.50 (Unibet, BetMGM. BetUK)
Upset option: Mikaela Mayer by Decision or Techincal Decision – 7/4 or 2.75 (WilliamHill, BoyleSports)
Will Natasha Jonas defend her IBF welterweight championship against Mikaela Mayer? let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
