Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer: Preview & Prediction

The boxing world has had its share of title fights, and 2024 looks to be no exception. On Saturday night, Natasha Jonas will put her IBF female welterweight championship on the line against Mikaela Mayer. Jonas has been on a roll, winning five straight bouts and achieving the most success she’s had up to this point, nearing the age of 40.

Mayer has gone 2-0 since suffering the lone defeat of her pro boxing career, a split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in October 2022. While she has already won her share of world championships, Mayer hasn’t struck welterweight gold. Could this be her night?

It all goes down inside the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, on January 20. Let’s dive into our prediction for the title fight.

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer Preview & Prediction

A big part of how this fight will play out has to do with Mayer’s jab. If Jonas makes it hard for Mayer to hit her, it’ll throw off the distance and timing to the point where it could leave the American flustered. If Mayer finds consistent success with her jab, then I believe we’ll crown a new champion.

What is going to make this difficult for Mayer is Jonas‘ movement. She’s difficult to hit, and if Mayer doesn’t find a home for that jab, I’d have difficulty seeing how she wins this fight. Mayer tends to leave herself open, and the counter-punching abilities of Jonas would lead you to believe she can find the target all night if Mayer can’t get her jab going.

I see Mayer having some early success as the two enter a feeling-out process. As the fight goes deeper, Jonas will force Mayer to pause as she’s marching forward, thanks to her counters.

Father time is an enemy to us all, but Jonas seems to have gotten even better with age. She’s in her prime, and I don’t think her run ends this weekend. Like the oddsmakers, I do not see a finish here, but I’ll take Natasha Jonas via unanimous decision.

Prediction: Natasha Jonas via unanimous decision

Fernando Quiles Jr.

Fernando has been covering combat sports and pro wrestling for over a decade. He currently writes for BJPenn.com and has also contributed for Sports Illustrated’s MMA Knockout. Fernando is excited to be a part of FightsATW to provide you with the latest news content in the world of pro wrestling.

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