Natasha Jonas makes fresh unification vow as Ivana Habazin lands cheeky Mikaela Mayer jibe

Natasha Jonas is ready to show why she is the number one fighter in the welterweight division when she takes on Ivana Habazin in a huge hometown unification fight next month. Jonas will make her long-awaited return to the ring when she takes on WBC belt-holder Habazin at the Exhibition Centre on Saturday, December 14.

The 40-year-old, nicknamed 'Miss GB, hasn’t fought since she retained her IBF welterweight title with a close split-decision win over Mikaela Mayer at the M&S Bank Arena back in January.

“I’m excited to be back with another big world title fight at home in Liverpool,” Jonas said. "To get the chance to win another world title and to unify the IBF and WBC world titles is going to be special.

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“Ivana Habazin is a great champion. She has won multiple world titles and fought some of the best in the world. I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m ready to prove that I’m the number one in the division. With the backing of my home fans, there’s no way I can lose.”

Habazin claimed the WBC when she outpointed Kinga Magyar back in April, and she couldn’t resist aiming a cheeky jibe at Jonas in regard to her last fight against Mayer.

“It will be an honour for me to unify the WBC and IBF world welterweight titles,” she said. "I previously held the IBF world title, and I look forward to winning the belt again.

“I have a lot of respect for Natasha. She has been a great champion throughout her career. She is one of the outstanding female fighters in the sport today, and beating her will give me the recognition that I have long deserved.

“I have visited Liverpool several times, and it’s my favourite city in the UK, so I’m very excited to be fighting in her hometown.

“While it may be winter in Liverpool on December 14th, I believe Natasha and I will bring some much-needed heat and Christmas cheer to those inside the arena.

“I just hope the judging will be fair and Santa doesn’t come to give Natasha an early Christmas present.”

Boxxer founder and CEO Ben Shalom believes victory for Jonas could put her on course for a collision with Olympic gold medallist and current WBA welterweight champion Lauren Price in an all-British world championship unification next year.

“Natasha Jonas is back in her hometown for a huge world title unification showdown,” Shalom said. “It’s champion versus champion as Natasha goes toe-to-toe with WBC World title holder Ivana Habazin.

“This is a must-win fight for Natasha, as she looks to cement her legacy as one of the greatest female fighters of her generation.

“A win on December 14th can set up more career-defining fights for Natasha, including a massive all-British world title unification showdown with Lauren Price early next year to determine who is number one in the welterweight division.”