Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer Prediction: Natasha Jones hopes to defend her IBF World Female Welterweight Title

In the main event on Sunday, January 21st, Natasha Jonas, the IBF Welterweight Champion, defends her title against Mikaela Mayer in Liverpool, England. Mayer, from Woodland Hills, California, was a former WBO and IBF junior lightweight champion and interim WBC lightweight titleholder. Watch the 10-round match live on ESPN+ in America and on Sky Sports Arena in the UK and Ireland. Mayer's last fight was in September, winning by unanimous decision. Jonas won the vacant IBF title in July with an 8th-round TKO against Kandi Wyatt.

Natasha Jonas - ready for her first title defense

Natasha Jonas, a British boxer, has a record of 14-2-1 with 9 KO wins at 39. She made history as the first British female boxer in the Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals in 2012. Jonas won the vacant IBF title last July with an 8th-round TKO. She's a two-weight world champion, holding unified light-middleweight titles since 2022. Standing at 5'8" with a 68" reach, Jonas has a bronze from the 2011 European Championships and a silver from the 2014 European Championships. In 2020, she challenged Terri Harper for the IBO and WBC Super Featherweight titles, ending in a 10-round draw.

Mikaela Mayer - the ambitious contender

Mikaela Mayer faced her only pro defeat in October 2022, losing her world junior lightweight titles to Alycia Baumgardner via split decision. Mayer bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Silvia Bortot in September. At 33, the American boxer holds a 19-1 record with five wins by KO. She was the former unified super featherweight champion. Mayer's main event in Liverpool is her chance to shine and take the title from the reigning champion. With her hunger for victory and calculated approach, Mayer is a formidable contender in this high-stakes encounter.

Expert Betting Tips

This upcoming boxing match is underrated but has potential for Fight of the Year. Mayer and Jonas, both skilled, are fighting for a world title. Mayer is six years younger. Fighting in Jonas's hometown, Mayer might need a knockout due to UK judging. Mayer will have more power without a big weight cut. Despite Jonas's home advantage, Mayer will be busier and win a close decision. This evenly-matched bout is what boxing needs. Mayer wins on points. Betting on Jonas, the fight will likely go the full 10 rounds.