Whenever Needed, Jonas Ready To Take Down Surging Harper

Although the proposed bout between Terri Harper v. Natasha Jonas has been postponed due to the coronavirus, it doesn’t mean the April bout will be forgotten altogether. Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn will do everything in his power to continue to the growth of Terri Harper and women’s boxing in general.

For Jonas (9-1), a fight against Harper (10-0) is a chance for her to renew her passion for the sport. That is what she told Boxing Scene prior to the bout getting postponed. The 35-year-old is the first female Olympian from England, having won bronze in the 2012 World Championships. She has won three fights in a row since having her undefeated streak snapped by Viviane Obenauf. The southpaw beat Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath.

In the past five years, women’s boxing has become more prevalent than ever before. Katie Taylor, Harper’s role model, has connected with fans all over the world. Jonas would like to do that as well, as her commitment can help raise the bar for women’s boxing.

“It’s mad because it was only when I retired from amateur boxing that I ever appreciated what I did there,” Jonas stated. “As an amateur, I don’t think you appreciate what you do in the moment. It’s only afterwards when I was doing a lot of work in schools and doing a lot of motivational talks and people would say, ‘You’re the reason I do boxing’. That was mad because at the time I was so focused on my own journey that I didn’t see the effect it was having on others.”

While Jonas didn’t get the media attention fighters get today, Harper has become a media darling. The skills of the undefeated 23-year-old have not yet blossomed, but Jonas knows more than anyone that it takes time. When it comes to a veteran v. the new blood bout, Jonas believes she’ll school the young disciple.

“I think they can expect two skilled boxers giving it their all and giving it everything,” Jonas said. “May the best woman win, at the end of the day. I think I gave her one of her ABA trophies and it’s madness that it’s come full circle and we’re boxing each other. I think she’s very skilled. I think she’s fit, she’s fast, she’s hungry but when it comes down to it – I just think I’m better.”

Stay tuned for updates when this fight will be rescheduled.