By Elliot Foster
Natasha Jonas is targeting silverware in 2018 after ending the year with another golden performance.
The 33-year-old Liverpool fighter, who turned professional back in June, heads into the new year with a record which remains unblemished –– and titles are on the agenda.
‘Miss GB’ moved to 4-0, all by stoppage, on Saturday when she stopped Katarina Vistica, who is originally from Croatia but based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, inside two rounds at Oldham Leisure Centre.
Jonas was added to the Black Flash Promotions card earlier this month following the collapse of Tony Bellew’s heavyweight rematch against David Haye, which she was meant to be on the undercard of, and she dealt with her rough, tough and awkward opponent in good fashion.
But she wants to move on to bigger and better things after ending the calendar year flawlessly.
“One of the things I wanted to work on in the fight was my progression as I looked to move onto next year,” Jonas told Boxing Scene after her win. “I actually got hit back, which is something that hadn’t happened before, and I found out what the pro game was really like.
“I know the aim is to hit and not be hit, but I know that I can’t move up the levels without getting hit and I tasted that.
“Moving into next year though I want to fight for a belt of some sort to boost my rankings. I should be out early in 2018 and then you’ve got the Tony Bellew vs. David Haye rematch in May. By that point, it’ll be coming up to a year of me turning over and I’d love to fight for a title on that card.
“I don’t want to be languishing at six- and eight-round level for much longer but I’ve got to step up gradually before throwing my name in the hat for top titles.
Jonas feels like her journey is being overlooked in favour of former amateur rival Katie Taylor –– who retained her WBA female lightweight title at London’s famous York Hall venue last week –– though she says that will change in 2018.
“I’m not answering any more questions about her because my career is becoming all about her and I don’t want that. I’m trying to go down a different road from her at the moment but everyone keeps asking about her.
“I went out as normal, ready to get the win no matter what on Saturday. But part of me, after watching Katie, wanted to go out and make a real statement and I reckon I did that.
“Ultimately, next year is about pushing on to the next level, getting some titles and I’m hoping that will start early in 2018.”
