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Natasha Jonas v Mikaela Mayer: Briton retains welterweight world title by split decision

Natasha Jonas celebrates as the scorecards are read outGetty Images

Natasha Jonas was fighting in front of her home crowd in Liverpool

By Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

Natasha Jonas retained her IBF welterweight title with a close split-decision win over Mikaela Mayer at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.

Both women enjoyed success in a terrific back-and-forth, all-action encounter, in a result which will divide opinion.

The scorecards read 96-94, 96-95 to Jonas, with one judge scoring it 97-93 to Mayer.

Perhaps it was home advantage which ultimately proved the difference.

"It takes two to tango. I know Mikaela Mayer will be gutted," Jonas said.

"She is in the top two people who I have fought. Please use this as motivation to get the title you deserve and become a two-weight world champion."

In front of her home crowd in Liverpool, Jonas continued a golden period in the twilight of her career.

After her win the 39-year-old two-weight world champion said this will be her last year in boxing after she extended her record to 15 wins, two defeats and one draw.

American Mayer, 33, lost on points for the second time in her 21-fight career. Having felt she did enough to win, she called for a rematch.

"It's disappointing but what am I going to do">