Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer II in the works
Less than three months ago, Natasha Jonas (15-2-1, 9KO) successfully defended her IBF welterweight title in what can only be described as a women’s boxing classic against Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5KO), although it was not without controversy. Already, it seems that the pair will meet again.
39-year-old Jonas claimed a split-decision (96-94, 93-97, 96-95) win over the former unified super-featherweight titleholder in a homecoming fight in Liverpool back in January, her first defence of the belt since knocking out Kandi Wyatt to become a two-division world champion in 2023.
However, the victory was widely contested online, with the vast majority of viewers feeling that American Mayer had been hard done by on away soil for a second time, after another questionable decision when she met Alycia Baumgardner for the undisputed super-featherweight title on the historic Shields-Marshall card in London in 2022.
Yet, it appears as though the rangy Californian will get her shot at redemption, with “Miss GB” unable to land her own rematch with Katie Taylor at this present moment, three years on from the Irishwoman’s close but unanimous decision win over the Liverpudlian.
Instead, esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael reports that negotiations are underway for a second meeting between Jonas and Mayer, although further details surrounding the location of the bill and whether Jonas-Mayer II will headline are yet to be known.
Per sources, negotiations are ongoing for a rematch between @TashaJonas, who holds the IBF women's welterweight title, and @MikaelaMayer1, who lost a disputed split decision to Jonas in a terrific fight on Jan. 20. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) April 2, 2024
“Per sources, negotiations are ongoing for a rematch between @TashaJonas, who holds the IBF women’s welterweight title, and @MikaelaMayer1, who lost a disputed split decision to Jonas in a terrific fight on Jan. 20. #boxing.”
Still, continues to broadcast her goal of avenging defeat to Taylor, in what she describes as a ‘farewell’ rematch amid talks of each of their respective retirements. Another victory over Mayer could be enough to make Taylor’s ears prick, with the allure of becoming a three-division champion sure to appeal.