When the smoke cleared on Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer in January at Liverpool’s Docklands Arena, it was assumed a rematch would be too far behind.
It was a close fight, and the outcome could have easily gone the other way. Jonas retained her IBF welterweight crown via split decision as Mayer contemplated a second contentious loss on UK soil.
At 40, Jonas isn’t getting any younger, and both seem to want the second fight. However, as Mayer recently revealed, it’s been a tough job getting the backing needed to make the return happen,
“Been holding out and working alongside Tasha Jonas to help get this rematch secured, but it’s been difficult. Just know it’s not us!
“We were both hoping to get it done for you all this summer, but we only have so much power.”
Fans then began questioning the hold-up, as the two competitors seemed ready to fight again whenever the ink was dry on the contract.
“I know it is not you two. The promoters and TV broadcasters need a slap. Jonas joined Sky after Matchroom left. You would think she would be a priority,” said one.
Another added, “If I were you, I’d never fight in the UK again, robbed twice, in my opinion.”
A third stated, “In all honesty, I’d be really surprised if Tasha agrees to take that beatdown again. She knows she lost that fight, which wasn’t even close.”
Whatever the delay, the demand is undoubtedly there after what was one of the female Fights of the Year post-Christmas. Jonas and Mayer gave everything to the fans inside the arena and on TV that night and deserve to go at it again before time ticks away on their careers.
Staging the fight in Liverpool is seemingly the only place it makes sense, with Mayer unfazed by the challenge, provided the terms are correct.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
