Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom sign Katie Taylor Rival
Matchroom Promotions have announced the signature of Liverpool lightweight Natasha Jonas.
Jonas, a five-time EU medalist and World Championships bronze medalist, took some time away from boxing following the Olympics, but has recently returned to training under Joe Gallagher in Bolton. She is the second female boxer signed by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom following Irish lightweight Katie Taylor.
Jonas announced her intention to turn pro back in April under manager Steve Goodwin.
The move further increases the likelihood of a rematch between Jonas and Taylor. The pair met in the quarter finals of the London Olympics, with Taylor inflicting two counts and scoring a 26:15 win.
Taylor would, of course go on to win gold in London, but the Jonas fight, her first at the Games, especially sticks out in the memory due to the exciting nature of the clash and the fantastic atmosphere at the ExCel – which at 113.7Dbl was the loudest recorded at any event in the whole Games.
Since turning pro last November, Taylor has raced to 5(3)-0 and picked up the WBA International belt. The Bray boxer looks set to challenge for world honours later this year in Dublin. Next up for the Wicklow woman is a mooted high-profile undercard appearance on the MikeY Garcia v Adrien Broner card in New York on July 29th.
Jonas will make her debut on Friday night at the Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports as part of the JD NXTGEN series. Her opponent here will be Poland’s Monika Antonik who Jonas will face over four two-minute rounds.
