Natasha Jonas has hit back at Ivana Habazin’s claim that she only beat Mikaela Mayer thanks to a “hometown decision” as the fire is lit ahead of Saturday’s world title fight.
Liverpool-born IBF welterweight champion Jonas is looking to unify the division on Saturday when he welcomes Croatian WBC champion Habazin to Merseyside. to live Sky Sports.
In front of a partisan home crowd in January, Jonas fought Mayer to a fierce 10-round split decision to retain his IBF belt.
Mayer believed he had won the contest after winning wide on one card, only to narrowly lose on the other two, but Habazine believes home advantage played a role when the fighters exchanged words leading 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 well and Mikaela came out stronger in the later rounds. I think Mikaela hurt Natasha a few times but couldn’t finish her off.
“There’s a lot I took from that fight. I saw some things that will really help me. Of course, every fighter is different and every style is different, but I’ve prepared myself and I believe I’ll win.”
Jonas defeated Mayer by split decision in January
Asked if he, as an outgoing fighter, had any concerns about judging before the fight, Habazine added:
“But of course, when you come to fight someone else’s show, there’s always a hometown advantage. That’s why I’ve done everything in my training to leave no doubt for the judges.
“I’ll give it my all, and I know Natasha will too. It’s all or nothing for both of us, but at the end of the day, it’s up to whoever wants it the most.”
Habazin’s comments were met with a quick rebuttal from Jonas, who replied: “I watched the fight, I appreciate some of the rounds were close, but I think I won. It is what it is, the judges thought the same.”
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Jonas sent a warning to Lauren Price, telling her to “be careful what you wish for.”
Saturday’s contest will be the 19th of Jonas’ professional career and only the eighth in his hometown of Liverpool.
“It’s always (a great evening in front of one’s own fans),” said the 40-year-old specialist. “Every boxer’s dream is to box in front of a home crowd, in front of your family and friends.
“There are moments in the ring when you struggle, you are a little tired, a little sore, but when you hear the roar of the crowd, it excites you and motivates you.
“That’s exactly what happened against Michaela Mayer and I expect it to happen on Saturday as well.”
Jonas vs Habazin live on Sky Sports
Watch Natasha Jonas v Ivana Habazin and Lauren Price v Bexy Mathews on December 14 live on Sky Sports+ from 7pm and the main event on Sky Sports from 8.30pm, or follow updates on the Sky Sports website and via our dedicated live blog on the app.
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