Natasha Jonas has hit back at Ivana Habazin’s claim that she only beat Mikaela Mayer thanks to a “hometown decision” as she catches fire ahead of their world title unification fight on Saturday.
Liverpool-born IBF welterweight champion Jonas will look to unify the division on Saturday when she takes on Croatian WBC champion Habazin on Merseyside. Live on Sky Sports.
In front of a huge crowd of fans in January, Jonas fought Mayer by split decision to retain the IBF belt.
Mayer believed she had won the contest after winning widely on one scorecard, but losing narrowly on the other two, but Habazin believes home advantage played a role as the fighters exchanged words in the lead-up to fight night.
“For me, I thought the fight was a draw and Natasha got the hometown decision,” Habazin said. Sky Sports.
“Natasha started off well, and Michaela got stronger in the later rounds. I think Michaela hurt Natasha a few times but couldn’t take her down.
“There’s a lot I learned from that fight. I saw some things that will really help me. Of course, every fighter is different, every style is different, but I prepared myself well and I believe I will prevail.” “.
He defeated Jonas Mayer by split decision in January
When asked if, as a long-distance fighter, she had any pre-fight concerns about judging, Habazin added: “I’ve fought fighters in my hometown before. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose.”
“But, of course, when you come to fight on someone else’s show, the hometown advantage is always there. That’s why, during all my training, I’ve been doing everything to make sure I don’t leave any doubt to the judges.
“I’ll give everything, and I know Natasha will give everything too. We’ll give it all or nothing for both of us. We’ll come in and give 100 percent, but at the end of the day, we’ll give it everything we can.” “It comes down to whoever wants it the most.”
Habazin’s comments were met with a quick response from Jonas, who replied: “I watched the fight, and I appreciate that some of the rounds were close, but I think I won. That’s how it is, the judges thought the same thing.”
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Saturday’s match will be the 19th of Jonas’ professional career, and only the eighth to be played in her hometown of Liverpool.
“It always is [a great night in front of your own fans]“It’s every boxer’s dream, to box in front of a home crowd, in front of your family and friends,” the 40-year-old said.
“There are moments in the ring when it gets tough, you’re a bit tired, a bit sore, but when you hear the roar of the crowd, it motivates you and motivates you.
“That’s exactly what happened against Mikaela Mayer and I expect it to happen on Saturday as well.”
Jonas vs Habazin live on Sky Sports
Watch Natasha Jonas vs Ivana Habazin and Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus on 14 December, live on Sky Sports+ from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 8.30pm, or follow updates via our dedicated live blog on the Sky Sports website and app.
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