Natasha Jonas v Mikaela Mayer: Briton to defend IBF welterweight title in Liverpool

Britain's Natasha Jonas stopped Kandi Wyatt to become a two-weight world champion in Manchester earlier this year

Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF welterweight title against Mikaela Mayer in her hometown of Liverpool on 20 January.

The Briton, 39, will be making the first defence of her belt since stopping Canadian Kandi Wyatt in July.

Jonas is also the reigning WBC, WBO and IBF light-middleweight champion.

American Mayer, 33, is a former unified super-featherweight world champion and will be stepping up in weight for the bout at the M&S Bank Arena.

Liverpool's Jonas has won 14 professional fights, with two losses and a draw, while Mayer has won 19 fights and lost one.

The Briton says it is the "biggest fight of her career", adding: "I'm so excited to be fighting back in Liverpool in my first headline show.

"It's in my backyard and I'm ready for it. It's Mikaela Mayer, she stretches above and beyond the UK shores. 'Miss GB' versus 'Miss USA' and may the best woman win."

Mayer added: "These are the types of match-ups boxing needs. I am feeling better than ever at my new weight and confident that 2024 is when I take it all back."

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Jack Cullen will also defend his belts on the same night against Zak Chelli.