Jonas to fight for second world title in Liverpool

Natasha Jonas will bid to become a unified world champion against Sweden’s Patricia Berghult on 3 September in Liverpool.

Berghult is unbeaten in her 15-fight career, ten years Jonas’ junior and has a win over Jonas’ British rival and fellow world champion Hannah Rankin.

Jonas will fight in her home city for the first time since 2019.

The Liverpudlian was hopeful of facing Scotland’s WBA champion Rankin in London on 10 September on the undercard of Savannah Marshall’s undisputed clash against Claressa Shields, but the domestic rivals were unable to agree fight terms.

That fight remains in the works should Jonas win the WBC title with Rankin expected to return to action before the end of the year.

Jonas has 11 wins, two losses and a draw in her career so far and achieved her long-held dream of becoming a world champion in February when she spectacularly knocked out Chris Namus.

Jonas has twice fallen short in world title fights and Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said he was eager to reward the Briton with a homecoming bout after her efforts.

“Tasha is one of British boxing’s trailblazers,” Shalom said. “She was our first world champion signing – and she fully deserves this great opportunity on home soil.

“And it is a great fight against the WBC champion Berghult, who is unbeaten and will be looking to upset the home fans.

“Tasha is a hugely popular figure on Merseyside and she will be backed by thousands on the night.

“The atmosphere at the M&S Bank Arena will be electric – and just what Tasha needs as she bids to become the unified world champion.”