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Natasha Jonas 'definitely' wants Lauren Price fight next, but can't lose to Ivana Habazin in world title unification

A multi-title unification between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price is likely next if both claim victory on Saturday in Liverpool, but in front of her home fans Jonas cannot afford to look past WBC champion Ivana Habazin; Watch Jonas and Price in action live on Sky Sports

By Jamie Frier

Tuesday 10 December 2024 20:02, UK

IBF welterweight champion Natasha Jonas has revealed the much-anticipated all-British bout against Lauren Price is “definitely on the cards”.

But that can only happen if they both come through their respective fights this Saturday.

Jonas and Price are on the same card in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports, with Jonas taking on Croatia's WBC world champion Ivana Habazin, while unbeaten WBA titlist Price faces Colombian Bexcy Mateus.

Price has previously told Sky Sports that she'd rather be fighting Jonas than Mateus, and Jonas is up for the challenge.

"It's a fight that I've signed an extension for. It's a fight that's definitely on the cards if we both come through. But I'm not trying to look past the one that's in front of me. I've just got to do my part, which is beat Habazin, so that's what I'm focused on," Jonas told Sky Sports.

35-year-old Habazin has lost two of her last five fights, but has boxed undisputed champions Claressa Shields and Cecilia Braekhus previously in her career and claimed the vacant WBC welter title in Zagreb in April.

Meanwhile, Jonas has won her last six bouts since losing by unanimous decision to Irish star Katie Taylor in 2021. She is confident she can get the better of her opponent on Saturday.

"She's been a pro for a very long time, she's very experienced. She's been in big nights, big fights and she hasn't just come to take part. She's come to win and that will make for a great fight. She's got a good jab, good feet. I just think whatever she can bring, I'm better," the Liverpudlian said.

Jonas' most recent victory was a close, split decision victory over Mikaela Mayer to retain her IBF belt. That fight was also in Liverpool, and Jonas is hoping to use the crowd to her advantage.

"We're such a boxing city. The fans came out in force last time, they're that second person in the ring with you, spurring you on when you're absolutely exhausted, so it's great to be at home fighting for another world title," she said.

Despite saying she isn't looking past the Habazin fight, Jonas did admit that she has one eye on something else, after working throughout last December ahead of her January bout against Mayer.

"I'm just happy that I'll get to enjoy Christmas. Last year I worked all throughout Christmas and it was heartbreaking to see my little girl open her selection boxes, enjoy Christmas dinner and all the desserts with the family and not be able to join in!" she said.

"But on the night, when I got the result, it was all worth it. But it will be nice to enjoy Christmas."

40-year-old Jonas is coming towards the end of her career, but she hopes that she can add some more memorable moments before she brings down the curtain on a glittering time in the ring that has seen her hold titles at both welter and super-welterweight.

"You never think of the accolades that come with winning titles, you just think about winning. I'm pretty sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I'll become the first Brit to unify at two different weights if I win," she said.

"It's great for the book or the end of the story, but I've just got to focus on winning.

"Lots of doors are open at the moment, but you lose, and they all close."

Watch Jonas vs Habazin and Price vs Mateus this Saturday live on Sky Sports