Jonas Defends Welterweight World Title Against Mikaela Mayer in Liverpool LIVE on ESPN+ and Sky Sports on January 20 – Start Time 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET Main Event Ringwalks (Approx.) 10 p.m. UK / 5 p.m. ET
Gear up for a groundbreaking night in women’s boxing on January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas defends her IBF welterweight world title against the former unified champ Mikaela Mayer. This event, featuring two of the sport’s brightest stars, will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs), fresh off a dominant win over Kandi Wyatt, is set for her first defense of the IBF title. Before this, she made waves by unifying the WBC, WBO, and IBF junior middleweight world titles.
In the other corner stands U.S. sensation Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), an Olympian and former holder of the IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine junior lightweight world titles. After shining at BOXXER’s historic women’s event last year and nabbing the WBC interim lightweight world title, Mayer is stepping up a division to face Jonas.
Adding to the excitement, British champ Jack Cullen is back in action in Liverpool, defending his title against Zak Chelli. Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs), who recently claimed the British and Commonwealth titles with a win over Mark Heffron, faces Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) again after their thrilling 2020 draw.
“I’m pumped to headline in Liverpool for the first time, especially in a career-defining fight like this,” Jonas said. “It’s an international showdown – ‘Miss GB’ vs. ‘Miss USA’. May the best woman win!”
Mayer shared her enthusiasm, “These are the fights boxing needs. I’m at my peak in this new division and ready to reclaim my place in 2024.”
Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s CEO, expressed excitement for the 2024 season, starting with this top-tier fight. He praised both Jonas and Mayer as exemplary athletes, former Olympians, and world champions, all set to solidify their legacies.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum also chimed in, highlighting Mayer’s popularity in the UK and her chance to become a two-division champion against the formidable Jonas. “These are two of the top female boxers, pound for pound,” he added.