Natasha Jonas set for Christmas return to boxing as Frankie Stringer lands promotional deal

Natasha Jonas is set to end her long absence from the ring when she takes on Ivana Habazin in December. The ECHO understands that plans are taking shape for a Boxxer show in Liverpool that will see Jonas take on Hazabin as the show's main event.

Jonas 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. Mayer, who, unlike Jonas, did not have a rematch clause in the event of a defeat, said after the fight that a 'rematch is warranted'.

Both fighters wanted a rematch, but a deal did not come to fruition, meaning Jonas has been forced to wait until the back end of the year for her return to action. Habazin claimed a points victory over Kinga Magyar last time out and has suffered five defeats during her 28-year fight career.

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Also expected to be on the undercard of the show is Frankie Stringer, who has signed a promotional agreement with Boxxer. Stringer, who is a former Tri Nations and national champion, is managed by Liam Smith and claimed his first stoppage victory against Campee Phayom last time out.

"I am absolutely over the moon," he told International Boxing News. "It is what you dream of as a kid when you are young, [fighting] on Sky Sports.

"It is going to be an exciting 12 months for me. I have been on massive shows and it is nothing new.

"I am getting better and better in the gym, getting stronger and stronger. People will see better performances."

Asked when he could return to the ring, Stringer said: "I am back out in December in Liverpool. In the next 10 fights, I want to be at least a British champion.

"By the end of next year, I want titles. I want to start pushing on, and I want good fights.

"You have got to win a British champion before you win any title. I am just going to keep climbing the rankings, so hopefully I will get there in the next year or two."