Welterweight bragging rights and gold are on the line when Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin clash for the IBF and WBC welterweight titles. The fight in Liverpool is available on Peacock in the U.S.
Jonas (15-2-1), a pound-for-pound star, has been a force in multiple divisions. She has challenged for gold against the best in boxing, competing in numerous Fight of the Year candidates. Jonas obtained super welterweight gold and, recently, the IBF welterweight title.
Habazin (23-5) is a former IBF champion who currently holds the WBC welterweight belt. The former super welterweight contender fought Cecilia Braekhus, Claressa Shields, and Terri Harper, and while she didn’t secure a win, she proved to be able to hang with boxing’s elite.
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A win by either fighter will result in a unification fight against the winner of the co-feature: Lauren Price defending the WBA and Ring welterweight titles against Bexcy Mateus. Who will be one step closer to reaching undisputed status?
The Sporting News looks at the odds for this top-tier women’s boxing fight and makes a final prediction.
Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin betting odds
Per Bet MGM, Natasha Jonas is the -800 favorite, while Ivana Habazin is the +500 underdog.
Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer betting trends
Betting trends are not available for this fight at the moment. The Sporting News will provide them when available.
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Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin prediction, best bets
It is a very intriguing matchup featuring two tough competitors in the women's division.
Jonas is ranked second in +/- at 13. She ranks third in total connect percentage at 33.2% and averages the second-fewest punches thrown (36.5) and landed (10.1) per round. The 40-year-old managed 55 body shots against Mikaela Mayer and landed 125 of 312 shots (40.1%), a higher mark (30.2%) than her opponent.
Habazin has fought some of the top fighters out there, having mixed results. Against Claressa Shields, Habazin connected with just 49 of 285 (17%) shots, while Shields punished her by landing 141 of 516 punches (27%). As a replacement opponent against Terri Harper, Habazin held her own, using jabs early to make it a testy contest.
While Mayer brought it to Jonas, it was a rare outing for a Jonas opponent. Her opponents rank eighth when it comes to least total punches landed per round (9.2), and fourth in lowest total connect percentage (20.2%).
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Jonas has speed and power that does not reflect her age. She has a terrific in-ring IQ, is a fantastic counterpuncher, moves forward, and has incredible defense. Jonas should neutralize the power of the 35-year-old Habazin while moving around the ring to tire her out.
The first and only time Habazin got stopped was in 2016. She is not expected to get knocked out, but Jonas can knock her down. A complete fighter, Jonas should grab the win, though Habazin could make it interesting at certain points.
Sporting News prediction: Jonas via unanimous decision
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