Natasha Jonas: What a Difference a Year Makes

Natasha Jonas: What a Difference a Year Makes

To gauge, evaluate and appreciate how far you have come, you have to remember where you once were. Less than 12 months ago, Natasha Jonas was so far removed from where she is today, you can’t even comprehend how much difference a year makes. Despair, frustration, anger, rage, you name it. Jonas had it. And with good reason.

The smile may still have beamed. But it was forced for the public domain. ‘Miss GB’ always put a value on her work, too many times it wasn’t meant. Some fights were lost, others were gained. Jonas struggled on the outside looking in. Almost certainly there was a reason. Take it or leave it, Jonas left it.

Two fight camps came without reward. Backstage politics and bickering, Jonas had her principles, and she stuck to them. Now she has her reward. And then some.

The move to Boxxer was always one that came with many benefits. Made an offer she couldn’t refuse, a fight contract that was much higher than another that was on the table. Throw in a long-term broadcasting gig as well, and Jonas had security. And it came with feeling valued. For the first time in an eternity, Jonas was happy.

Ben Shalom promised Jonas opportunities. He has been true to his word. Chris Namus was blasted away in February, and Jonas could finally call herself a world champion. Patricia Berghult came to Liverpool with an unbeaten record and the WBC super-welterweight champion. She left with neither. A homecoming show that delighted in many ways.

If Jonas has a little bit of peace, she clearly wasn’t satisfied. An Indian Summer of a career that still carries a little more life. And ambition. Jonas isn’t done yet. Shalom has delivered again. A Manchester return in November, the scene of her WBO triumph in February on that night of raw emotion. And relief.

Marie-Eve Dicaire, the Canadian IBF and Ring Magazine champion is up next. One step nearer undisputed. An old rival could be next, one final step to full peace in many ways. Remembering the past, Jonas may decide to swerve the fight with Terri Harper, the newly crowned WBA and IBO champion. Harper needs the fight more than the Liverpool fighter you sense. Jonas might leave her hanging the way she was two years ago.

But Dicaire is next, only Claressa Shields has beaten her. Jonas knows talk of Harper and potentially new challenges away from her current division will come to nothing if Jonas comes up short next month. But Jonas is in the form of her life, enjoying her sport. And her moment. It’s been a long-time coming, and Jonas intends to make the most of it. Few will blame her.