Natasha Jonas has hit back at Ivana Habazin’s claim she only beat Mikaela Mayer courtesy of “a hometown decision” as flames were stoked ahead of Saturday’s world title unification fight.
Liverpool-born IBF welterweight champion Jonas bids to unify the division on Saturday when she welcomes Croatian WBC champion Habazin to Merseyside, live on Sky Sports.
In front of a partisan home crowd in January, Jonas edged a ferocious 10-round battle against Mayer by split decision to retain her IBF belt.
Mayer thought she had won the contest after winning widely on one scorecard, only to lose narrowly on the other two, but Habazin believes home advantage played a role as the fighters exchanged words in the run-up to fight night.
“For me, I thought the fight was a draw and Natasha got the hometown decision,” Habazin told Sky Sports.
“Natasha started well, and Mikaela came on stronger in the later rounds. I think Mikaela hurt Natasha a few times but couldn’t finish her.
“There’s a lot I’ve taken 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 well and I believe I will be victorious.”
Jonas defeated Mayer by split decision in January
Asked whether she, as an away fighter, had any pre-fight concerns about judging, Habazin added: “I’ve fought against hometown fighters before. Sometimes I’ve won, sometimes I lost.
“But, of course, when you come to fight on someone else’s show, hometown advantage is always there. That’s why in all my training, I’ve been doing everything to make sure I don’t leave any doubt for the judges.
“I’m going to give everything, and I know Natasha will give everything too. It’s all or nothing for both of us. We’re both going to come and give 100 per cent, but at the end of the day it’s going to come down to who wants it most.”
Habazin’s comments were met with a swift rebuttal from Jonas, who replied: “I watched the fight back, I appreciate some rounds were close, but I think I won. It is what it is, the judges thought the same.”
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Jonas has sent out a warning to Lauren Price, saying ‘be careful what you wish for’
Saturday’s contest will be the 19th of Jonas’ professional career, and only the eighth to have taken place in her hometown of Liverpool.
“It always is [a great night in front of your own fans],” the 40-year-old said. “It’s every boxer’s dream, to box in front of a home crowd, in front of your family and friends.
“There are moments in the ring when it gets tough, you’re a little bit tired, a little bit sore, but when you hear the roar of the crowd it spurs you on and motivates you.
“That’s exactly what happened against Mikaela Mayer and I expect it to happen on Saturday as well.”
Jonas vs Habazin live on Sky Sports
Watch Natasha Jonas vs Ivana Habazin and Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus on December 14, live on Sky Sports+ from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 8.30pm, or follow updates via our dedicated live blog on the Sky Sports website and app.
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