30 Facts About Natasha Jonas

Early Life and Sporting Beginnings

Natasha Jonas's journey to boxing greatness began in Liverpool. Her early years were filled with sports and dreams of Olympic glory.

1. Natasha Jonas was born on June 18, 1984, in Toxteth, Liverpool, England.
2. She comes from a large and unconventional family, where she was the eldest of the girls but had two elder boy cousins who were her heroes.
3. Jonas developed a love for sports at a very young age. She was fascinated by the Olympics and declared at the age of four that she wanted to be an Olympic athlete.
4. Throughout primary school, Jonas excelled in physical education (PE) but struggled academically. She was involved in various sports clubs and even helped her teachers in lessons and coached others.

From Football to Boxing

Before boxing, Jonas had dreams of a football career. However, fate had different plans for her.

5. Jonas initially pursued a career in football. She received an offer to play soccer for a university in the United States and even got an England call-up.
6. Her football dreams were cut short when she suffered a severe ligament injury that ended her football career.
7. After her football career ended, Jonas tried boxing for the first time. She quickly fell in love with the sport and began competing for the England team within a year.

Amateur Boxing Success

Jonas's transition to boxing was swift and successful. She quickly made a name for herself in the amateur boxing world.

8. Jonas's amateur boxing career was marked by numerous achievements. She won five ABA Championships in the 64 kg division for Liverpool club Rotunda ABC.
9. In November 2009, Jonas became the first female boxer to compete for GB Boxing. This milestone marked a significant step in her career and paved the way for future generations of female boxers.
10. In the same year, Jonas claimed gold in the 64 kg division at the 2009 Women's European Union Amateur Boxing Championships in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria. She defeated Csilla Csejtei of Hungary in the final.
11. In 2010, Jonas won another gold medal in the inaugural GB Amateur Boxing Championships. She pipped her rival Amanda Coulson by one point in an exciting bout held at Liverpool's Echo Arena.
12. At the 2012 AIBA Women's World Amateur Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, Jonas made history by becoming the first ever female British boxer to qualify for an Olympic Games. She took the bronze medal and secured a place in the 2012 London Olympics.

Olympic Journey

Jonas's Olympic journey was historic, marking a significant milestone for British female boxers.

13. Jonas became the first ever British female boxer to compete at an Olympic Games. She faced Quanitta Underwood of the United States in the round of 16 and won with a score of 21:13.
14. However, she lost to four-time World Champion Katie Taylor in the quarter-finals.

Professional Boxing Career

After her Olympic stint, Jonas turned professional, continuing her impressive boxing journey.

15. Jonas turned professional in 2015, marking a new chapter in her boxing career. She quickly gained attention for her aggressive fighting style and ability to move up the ranks.
16. Jonas's first professional win came against Monika Antonik on June 23, 2017, at the Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle, England. She won via TKO in the first round.

World Championships and Titles

Jonas's professional career saw her winning multiple world titles and breaking barriers.

17. On May 1, 2021, Jonas became a world champion by defeating Terri Harper for the WBC super-featherweight title. This victory marked her as the first British female boxer to win a world title at this weight class.
18. In 2022, Jonas unified the WBC and WBO female light-middleweight titles. She retained these titles while also winning the IBF and The Ring female light-middleweight titles against Marie-Eve Dicaire on November 12, 2022, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.
19. In 2022, Jonas became the first woman to win the British Boxing Board of Control’s British Boxer of the Year Award. This recognition solidified her status as one of the leading figures in women’s boxing.

Breaking Barriers and Advocacy

Jonas has not only excelled in the ring but also off it, advocating for women's boxing and breaking new ground.

20. In 2023, Jonas became the first black woman to receive a manager's license from the British Boxing Board of Control. This achievement further cemented her influence in the boxing world.
21. Jonas has been a trailblazer for women’s boxing. Her success has helped bring more attention to female boxing and has paved the way for future generations of female athletes. She continues to advocate for equal recognition and pay for women in the sport.

Personal Life and Media Presence

Outside the ring, Jonas has a rich personal life and has made several media appearances.

22. Jonas is an older sister of footballer Nikita Parris. She studied media studies at Edge Hill University in Lancashire after her football career ended.
23. She was employed by Liverpool City Council for five years and served as a mentor for the Youth Sport Trust for four years, promoting sport and healthy lifestyles to school-age children.
24. Jonas has appeared in several media productions, including the Channel 4 documentary "Knockout Scousers" in 2012. The documentary followed her journey to the Olympic Games and was narrated by Jonas herself.
25. In August 2023, Jonas appeared on Azam TV during her tour in Tanzania. She shared her experience and motivated female local amateur boxers to overcome the challenges they face in their careers.

Legacy and Impact

Jonas's impact on boxing and her community is profound, leaving a lasting legacy.

26. A mural of Natasha Jonas is located in Liverpool, on Elwy Street off High Park Street, near the home she lived in as a child. This mural serves as a testament to her local roots and her enduring legacy.
27. As of 2024, Natasha Jonas's professional record stands at an impressive 14 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Among her 14 wins, she has secured several knockout victories, showcasing her ability to finish fights decisively.
28. Some of Jonas's notable fights include victories over Marie-Eve Dicaire, Patricia Berghult, Chris Namús, Vaida Masiokaite, Bojana Libiszewska, and Monika Antonik.
29. Jonas has received numerous awards and recognitions for her achievements in boxing. She was named the British Boxing Board of Control’s 2022 British Boxer of the Year, making her the first woman to win this prestigious award.
30. Jonas has been a vocal advocate for women’s boxing. She has pushed for equal recognition and pay for women in the sport, helping to break down gender barriers that once limited women’s participation in boxing.

Natasha Jonas: A Boxing Icon

Natasha Jonas has carved out a remarkable career in boxing, inspiring countless fans and athletes. From her early days in Liverpool to becoming a two-weight world champion, her journey is filled with grit and determination. She broke barriers as the first female boxer for GB Boxing and continued to make history by winning multiple world titles. Her advocacy for women's boxing and her role as a mentor highlight her commitment to the sport and her community. Jonas's achievements, including her groundbreaking manager's license, showcase her influence beyond the ring. Her story is a testament to resilience and passion, making her a true icon in the world of boxing. As she continues to inspire future generations, Natasha Jonas's legacy will undoubtedly endure, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.