Joe Gallagher, head trainer and manager for unified junior middleweight champion Natasha Jonas, says the boxer is targeting the biggest fights possible in the coming year.
Jonas will return to the ring in early 2023.
She would love to avenge a 2021 decision loss to Katie Taylor, who presently holds the undisputed lightweight crown.
Taylor is planning to fight in Croke Park next year, with several names being considered for the opponent’s slot.
“You can’t do a Croke Park with a nobody. She’s got options as well,” Jonas said.
“I’m maybe not the highest on her list but it’s a conversation that I’d like both managers to have and if the fight can be made I’d love to come to Croke Park and if she wants to come to Anfield for the return she’s welcome. I want to be in the biggest fights.”
Gallagher believes at this point in time his boxer could knock Taylor out.
When they met last year, the Taylor came away with a close victory. Going to the scorecards is a scenario that Jonas wants to avoid in a second fight, says Gallagher.
“Now Natasha’s become world champion, she’s got a lot more belief. She’s been with the bigger girls, hitting harder,” Gallagher said.
“I’d pick Tasha to beat Katie this time round and if Tasha turns up like she has been the last few fights, I think she’s carrying enough power that she could most probably stop Katie.
“Last time in lockdown it was a brilliant fight. You only have to look at the scorecards, round nine I think cost us the fight, we won round 10, so we were one round from winning. That rivalry is always going to be there. Natasha wants to avenge that,” he added. “You always have to dream big. This time I think Natasha won’t leave it till the scorecards if they fight.”
