What is next for Jubilant Jonas?

One of the most underrated British boxers, male or female, continued to make history at Manchester Arena; On the undercard of the Marshall vs Crews-Dezurn undisputed title fight.

Natasha Jonas became a two-weight world champion by claiming the IBF welterweight title to her WBA, IBF & WBO light middleweight titles. 

Although a fight she was expected to win, it was the way she came out from the first bell and pummelled her Canadian opponent with crushing left hooks. Jonas continued that onslaught throughout the fight, forcing the ref to stop the action in round eight. 

It was a testament to the dedication and abilities of the 39-year-old mum of one, who last year won three world titles in nine months and became the first female fighter to receive the British Fighter of the Year award.

I couldn’t speak more highly of the scouser who started wanting to play football and went to America on a football scholarship.

Now, with four titles in the bag, she will set her sights on fights to cement her legacy in a career she has worked hard to get the absolute most from. 

That’s what I admired the most about Jonas. If you look at all components, you wouldn’t expect her to do so well. Fighting later in years and started her professional career after becoming a mum.

Not big in stature, does not possess the greatest of power. But her boxing ability and skill, along with her heart, and unwavering desire to be great, is what has driven her to success. 

In her seventh pro fight, when she got stopped by Viviane Obenauf inside four rounds in 2018, I thought she was finished. But the heart and desire she showed to come back and achieve what she has, is an inspiration to all young boxers. 

So, what are the possibilities? Although she can pick and choose, I believe she will have to be careful and not go too big, as there are challenges, and then there are challenges. 

Claressa Shields

Shields was asked about this bout, and I agreed with her that it would be a bad match-up for Jonas. Though it would be a huge event, Shields would be just too big and strong for Jonas, and though Shields has no real knockout power.

With Shields moving up in weight these days, it would be an extremely tough night at the office for Jonas, and I would advise to steer clear. 

Terri Harper 2

If I were Jonas, this would be the fight to pursue. Jonas has four of the five titles at light middleweight, and Harper has the other. They fought to a thrilling draw in August 2020 in an empty purpose-built Matchroom arena.

A fight that was harsh on Jonas, as many felt she won. It is set up perfectly for this rematch, an all-British affair for the undisputed light middleweight division. 

Katie Taylor 2

With Katie being the undisputed lightweight champ and Jones holding belts at light middleweight and welterweight, it might be hard to make this fight.

But Jonas may want to avenge her points defeat to Taylor for the lightweight titles in May 2021. However, after campaigning at the higher weights, it might be a tough ask to back down to lightweight for Jonas. 

Chantelle Cameron

This is another potential all-British affair for world championship belts. However, Cameron seems a formidable opponent and demonstrated this by defending her titles against Katie Taylor with a breathless performance.

The slightly heavier Jonas may invite Cameron up to tempt her into being a two-weight champion. But Jones could easily go to light welterweight in an attempt at being a three-weight champion. This fight seems to work on all levels. 

Jessica McCaskill 

A fight that would make sense in the welterweight division, the title Jones recently won. McCaskill holds three of the five titles in that division and though a strong and rugged fighter, was overwhelmed by the come-forward style of Chantelle Cameron to lose her belts at light welterweight.

However, Jonas may want to fight the WBO champ, Sandy Ryan. Then make an undisputed fight with McCaskill for the division.