Two-Weight World Title: Natasha Jonas advanced to the next level of her sparkling career on Saturday, when she stopped Kandi Wyatt in the eighth round to claim the vacant IBF welterweight championship and become a two-weight world champion.
After wasted opportunities against Terri Harper and Katie Taylor, the WBC, WBO, and IBF light-middleweight champion frequently questioned whether titles would ever come her way; now, at 39, she is one of British boxing’s most decorated fighters.
Jonas sprung into life at the start of the battle and rocked Wyatt early before dominating the tempo of the fight with brilliant counter-shots and inflicting enough damage to her opponent’s face to prompt referee Marcus McDonnell to call the fight off.
The Liverpudlian, who improves to 14-2-1 as a professional, had played down retirement speculation in the build-up to the bout, and with her latest victory, she stayed on track to meet some of the biggest names in women’s boxing.
“It’s been such a journey, and they (the fans) have been there with me every step of the way,” Jonas remarked.
“I know the next holiday is coming up; I’ll be gone for a month to enjoy my daughter and family.
“I don’t really care (who comes next), there are fights the fans want to see, fights Sky wants to put on, and stuff I want to do before I leave this game.”
At the opening bell, Jonas sprang into life and threatened a quick end with a strong headshot that threw the Canadian, who appeared to be intimidated by the boisterous audience, against the ropes and fighting to keep upright.
A smooth right-left combo heaped on the punishment, snapping Wyatt’s head back as the visitor hardly had time to breathe.
The Jonas domination continued with a slapping left hand early in the second, to which Wyatt responded by closing the gap and working the body on the inside.
Every rare front-foot attempt from Wyatt was met with a ready-made counter by Jonas, whose quick left jab capitalised on one approach before another strong left hook in the third led to her opponent’s bloodied nose.
To her credit, Wyatt gave an amazing depiction of her tenacity and drive, but she never seemed to be decoding Jonas.
Another sharp left hand eliminated any attempt Wyatt had made to pull the fight inside again, and Jonas attempted to build in the sixth with a stunning slide-and-strike upper-cut technique that drew plaudits.
Another left punch to the face, and Jonas finishes in style with devastating doubled-up counter jabs, forcing McDonnell to call the fight off.
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