In the heart of Toxteth, Liverpool, a striking tribute has emerged to honor the city’s own boxing icon, Natasha Jonas. A vibrant mural, now a permanent fixture on Elway Road, just a stone’s throw from where Jonas grew up, celebrates her remarkable journey and achievements.
British Street Art Collective MurWalls masterfully crafted this mural, which has quickly become a local sensation. It’s more than just a piece of art; it’s a testament to Jonas’ groundbreaking impact on women’s boxing. The mural features Jonas proudly displaying her world championship belts, symbolizing her triumphant career.
Jonas, a trailblazer in the boxing world, etched her name in history as Team GB’s first female boxer and the first British woman to compete in boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Now 39, she continues to break barriers in the professional sphere.
Her accolades are impressive. In 2022, Jonas became the first woman to receive the British Boxer of the Year award from the British Boxing Board of Control, joining the ranks of British boxing legends like Lennox Lewis and Naseem Hamed. Her journey includes unifying the WBC, WBO, and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles, and capturing the IBF World Welterweight crown in a bout against Kandi Wyatt last July.
Reacting to the mural, Jonas expressed her deep connection to Toxteth: “It’s an honor to be recognized with this mural. The streets of Toxteth made me. This neighborhood shaped my dreams and my fight against stereotypes. I hope this mural inspires others from similar backgrounds to chase their dreams and define their own destinies.”
Promoter Ben Shalom lauded the tribute, highlighting Jonas’ role as an athlete and a community beacon: “This is a fitting tribute for Natasha, an incredible athlete and a true inspiration. It’s fantastic to see her community rally behind her, especially as she heads into her biggest fight yet.”
Jonas set to make the first defense of her IBF World Welterweight Title against the formidable former unified world champion, Mikaela Mayer. This significant fight is scheduled for Saturday, January 20th, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. Fans in the UK and Ireland can catch the action live and exclusively on Sky Sports, while those in the USA can tune in on ESPN+.
This mural not only immortalizes Natasha Jonas’ remarkable achievements but also stands as a beacon of inspiration for the community. It’s a powerful reminder that, regardless of where you come from or the stereotypes you face, you have the power to shape your future and achieve greatness. Jonas, once just a little girl from the streets of Toxteth, is now a celebrated champion and a symbol of hope, proving that with determination and support, any dream is within reach.
