Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price Set for World Title Defences

Live text and radio commentary on Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price’s world title defences will be available from 20:00 GMT on Saturday via the BBC Sport website and app. Natasha Jonas has acknowledged her career is in its “extra time” as she finalises preparations for her unification fight against Ivana Habazin on Saturday in Liverpool. The IBF welterweight champion seeks to acquire Habazin’s WBC belt, adding to her expanding collection of world titles. Jonas, who reached 40 years of age in June, has secured world titles across two weight divisions and informed BBC Sport that she has “tried to put a time on” when she would retire “but that didn’t work out.” “I’m contracted to two more fights if that’s what it is then that’s what it is,” Jonas further stated. Jonas holds the distinction of being the oldest world champion from Briton, regardless of gender, and is the second oldest female world champion, trailing only IBF flyweight champion Irma Garcia. Despite securing all her world titles within the past three years, Jonas expresses confidence in her ability to continue surprising observers. “[There is] satisfaction in myself and not putting barriers or ceilings on what I can do, who I can become and how I can get there,” Jonas commented. “I just concentrate on each fight and what is in front of me and then see what presents itself after that but I need to keep winning for that.” A rematch with long-standing rival Katie Taylor is a significant aspiration for Jonas, but her subsequent fight is likely to be a unification bout with Lauren Price, provided she defeats Habazin. This is the contest Boxxer, Jonas’ promoters, have been developing plans for ever since signing Olympic champion Price in 2022. Price achieved a historic milestone in May by becoming Wales’ first female world champion in boxing and is scheduled to defend her WBA title for the first time against Bexcy Mateus on Jonas’ undercard. “A loss can close the doors in front of you,” Jonas remarked concerning a prospective bout with Price, who remains undefeated across seven professional fights. “For female and British boxing it is a big, massive and momentous occasion.” “We’ve had Chris Eubank against (Nigel) Benn, (Amir) Khan against (Kell) Brook.” “When you have big domestic rivalries everyone has to pick a side and you have to stay loyal to your team.” “Sometimes we need that as a bit of rejuvenation within the sport in our own country.” “I’ve got a lot of respect for Lauren but do I think she is better than myself? No.” Jonas is scheduled to defend her title in her hometown, marking the third occasion she has had the opportunity to compete for a world title before her fellow Liverpudlians. Croatia’s Habazin has competed against several notable opponents, including Terri Harper, Claressa Shields, and Cecilia Braekhus, though she has suffered defeats to each of them. The 35-year-old is anticipated to be the underdog against Jonas, who likens fighting in Liverpool to “you’re Virgil van Dijk and you’re playing against AC Milan at Anfield on a European night.” “[Habazin] is experienced, she doesn’t come to just make up the numbers. She is coming to fight and to try and take my titles,” Jonas added. “She has got good fundamentals, a good jab and good footwork but everything she does I just believe I’m better.” “I always play it down in my head [fighting in Liverpool], that it’s just another fight because you can get bogged down, weighed down in the pressure of performing in front of your friends, your family and your city.” “[But] it’s massive. When it gets tough, when it gets hard and you need some inspiration, drive and motivation, the fans bring it for you.”