Jonas Retains Title in Controversial Split Decision Over Mayer
In an electrifying ten-round bout, Natasha Jonas successfully defended her IBF welterweight world championship against American challenger Mikaela Mayer. The contest, held in Liverpool, ended with Jonas securing a split decision victory that has since sparked considerable debate among boxing enthusiasts and pundits alike.Controversy Surrounds Judges' Scorecards
The judges' scorecards were at the heart of the controversy, with one judge siding with Mayer, while the remaining two judges scored the fight in favor of the defending champion, Jonas. Despite the mixed opinions of the judges, Jonas was confident in her performance, believing she had a clear two-round advantage by the fight's conclusion."I thought I was comfortably two rounds up at the end," Jonas stated, reflecting on her victory. Her sentiment was echoed by her trainer, Joe Gallagher, whose round-by-round judgment concurred with Jonas's own assessment of the fight.
Mayer, on the other hand, expressed disagreement with the final decision, joining a chorus of dissenting voices who questioned the outcome of the closely contested match.
Jonas Acknowledges Tough Middle Rounds
While victorious, Jonas admitted to facing challenges during the middle segments of the fight. "All in all, I won. I grinded it out. I made it a little bit uncomfortable for myself in the middle rounds. Again I won, that's all I can say. I won," she remarked, acknowledging the difficulties she encountered yet emphasizing the bottom line of her triumph.Her candid reflection highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport, where even a less-than-perfect performance can still lead to success. "Sometimes you can box brilliantly and lose or draw, whatever it is, and the decision doesn't go your way and sometimes you can scrape a win and I think I did that," Jonas added, underscoring the often subjective interpretation of boxing results.
Open to a Rematch
Despite the contentious nature of their first encounter, Jonas remains open to the possibility of a rematch with Mayer. "Of course that will be an option," she confirmed when discussing her future plans. Before making any definitive decisions, however, Jonas intends to evaluate all opportunities on the table."We're going to sit down and see what opportunities are available and I'll choose the best one for me," she explained. The range of potential opponents includes not only Mayer but also other notable fighters such as Lauren Price, Jessica McCaskill, and Katie Taylor. Depending on the most advantageous offer, Jonas is prepared to face any of these competitors in the ring.
Mutual Respect for Professional Journeys
Despite the fierce competition between Jonas and Mayer, there exists a mutual respect for each other's professional journeys. Both athletes have traversed the demanding path from amateur to elite-level boxing, including participation in the Olympic cycle—a testament to their dedication and skill."It was hard work, exactly what I thought. Two class operators and two top-class female fighters who have been well schooled, been in the Olympic cycle, been the hard route, been in through the amateurs and that elite level," Jonas reflected on the caliber of both her and Mayer's boxing pedigrees.