Headline NewsOpponent Watch

Katie Taylor Olympic rival joins pro ranks

One of the most recognisable names and faces of Katie Taylor’s amateur career has followed the Bray boxer into the pro ranks.

Liverpudlian Natasha Jonas is to turn professional under the Goodwin Boxing banner.

The 2011 World Championships bronze medalist won one fight at the 2012 Olympics before being defeated by Taylor in the quarter finals on a scoreline of 15:26.

Taylor would 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 was the loudest recorded of the whole Games.

Jonas, a five-time EU medalist, took some time away from boxing following the Olympics, but has recently returned to training under Joe Gallagher in Bolton.

The Scouser was also a pundit for Taylor’s pro debut back in November where she defeated Karina Kopinska live on Sky Sports.

While Jonas will not be fighting under the Matchroom banner, promoter Steve Goodwin shares a strong working relationship with Eddie Hearn and a fight down the line seems a distinct possibility.

Since turning pro, Taylor has racked up a 4(2)-0 record and looks set to challenge for world honours later this year. Next up for the WIcklow woman is another high-profile undercard experience, this time on the Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko pay-per-view event at Wembley Stadium on Saturday April 29th.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

x