Natasha Jonas says to be fighting for her first professional title in her home city feels “fantastic.”
Matchroom today announced that the Liverpool star will fight Taoussy L’Hadji for the WBA International super-featherweight title at the Echo Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Promoter Eddie Hearn promised a title fight on her own turf after Jonas restored her fifth straight win last month.
And the Matchroom supremo has delivered a fascinating 10-round contest.
It will be no walkover for the 33-year-old – L’Hadji challenged for the European title last April and is a former French champion.
“To be fighting for my first title in Liverpool is fantastic,” said Jonas.
“It’s always an honour to box at home.
“Last time for my second fight, I perhaps rushed my work a little bit.
“But there were some hometown nerves there which is only natural.
“This time I’ll be looking to settle earlier and get my shots off.
“Whatever belts come, I’ll take, and I want this to be the first of many.
“That’s all down to Eddie Hearn and Joe Gallagher to map out though.
“All throughout my amateur boxing career you get told what you are doing and it’s not too dissimilar now.
“I’ve just got to make sure I’m in the best shape possible going in to these fights.”
This weekend’s showdown should be the stepping stone to ‘Miss GB’ fighting for a full world title.
“In women’s boxing at the moment there isn’t too much depth with all due respect,” she said.
“After you’ve had the learning fights, it’s sort of straight in to the World level – there’s a lack of quality in between.
“Everyone wants to fight for a World title, I know I’ve got it in me to win one.
“The better opponent, the better Tasha Jonas you’ll see.”
Jonas’ clash with L’Hadji is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Amir Khan returns to action against fiery Canadian Phil Lo Greco.
Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight crown against Tommy Coyle, former British and European Welterweight champion Sam Eggington begins life at Super-Welterweight, Rio Olympian Anthony Fowler boxes in front of his hometown fans for the second time as a pro and is joined by fellow Mersey hitters Tom Farrell and Craig Glover.
Exciting Welterweight Conor Benn returns, Qais Ashfaq is in his second pro fight, unbeaten Bolton Super-Bantamweight Osman Aslam and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.
Limited tickets remain on sale priced £40 and £80 via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
