NATASHA JONAS HAS announced that she is turning professional, teeing up a possible rematch with Katie Taylor.
The former Team GB boxer makes her pro debut in Newcastle this Friday night — against Monika Antonik of Poland — after signing for Matchroom.
32-year-old Jonas joins old enemy Taylor at Eddie Hearn’s promotion and the pair could now be in line to meet again.
During the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Taylor claimed victory over Jonas at the quarter-final stage on her way to gold in the lightweight division.
And Liverpudlian Jonas has nothing but respect for the Bray boxer, who is set for a world title fight later this year after five consecutive pro wins.
“Katie has set the bar in women’s boxing and everyone has aspired to be like her,” Jonas told Sky Sports.
Whatever she’s done and wherever she goes she sets a good example. I’m not here to be in anyone’s shadow but I take my hat off to everything that she’s done as an amateur and now as a pro.”
“I can’t wait to get started on Friday night,” she added. “I want to get to the top of the game once again so it’s great to get going before the summer and we can hit the ground running in the new season.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been breaking down barriers and I’ve never felt out of place. I know the drive and determination that I’ve got inside of me.”
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