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WATCH: Natasha Jonas exclusive interview

Unified world champion Natasha Jonas speaks in-depth to bet365 as she prepares for her world title bout with Marie-Eve Dicaire on Saturday night.

Natasha Jonas (1/6) has revealed to bet365 that victory over Marie Eve-Dicaire (7/2) in Manchester this weekend would cap off a perfect 12 months as she bids to further unify the women’s 154lb division.

The 2012 Olympian has enjoyed a stellar 2022, capturing her first world title with a stunning second round stoppage victory over Chris Namus in February, before following that up with an even more eye-catching summer success against the previously unbeaten WBC strap holder Patricia Berghult.

The 38-year-old has the opportunity to add Marie-Eve Dicaire’s IBF title to her collection at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday night – a feat that would serve to enhance her legacy in the sport and further cement her dominance at junior middleweight / super-welterweight level.

“There has been no better 12 months in boxing for me,” the proud Liverpudlian told bet365 in an exclusive interview ahead of BOXXER’s latest night of fighting action.

“I can’t even think of another boxer who has had a better 12 months if I am honest with you.

“For me personally, rewind a year and I am crying, fast-forward a year and I am the happiest I have ever been in my boxing career, it’s been an incredible year for me.”

Bet on Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire

There is no doubt that Jonas has had to display the patience of a saint in her bid for world championship gold.

The judges controversially declared her pulsating 2020 WBO and IBO super-featherweight scrap with Terri Harper as a draw, just nine months before she was narrowly defeated in an enthralling undisputed showdown with Ireland's Katie Taylor.

But, Jonas’ time has now come, and she insists, that for all of the heartache and pain of those two contentious decisions, she wouldn’t change a thing…

“Everything happens for a reason, and everything I have gone through previously has helped build me into the person I am in front of you today,” she added.

“Now that I have got the world title, the stress and the pressure that chasing that brings, has gone – I am able to really enjoy my boxing again, and not have to prove to anyone how good I am, because I am already a world champion.

“Now it is all about expressing myself, enjoying the moment, and I think in my last fight with (Particia) Berghult I was able to show that. 

“The stress and the tension was gone and I was just able to flow and produce what many people have described as my best performance to date.

“I am still working so hard to be faster, to be stronger and to be fitter – I always want to add to my game, and obviously Dicaire will be a real test for me, and I have had to do so many things in camp to make sure I am a better version of myself to make sure I get that win.”

The women’s fight game has hit new heights this year too, with Jonas, alongside the likes of Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall and the aforementioned Taylor, helping propel the sport to an even higher standing.

The iconic and historic BOXXER card at London’s O2 Arena was a landmark event for female combat sports, and whilst Jonas is refusing to look beyond her date with destiny in Manchester this weekend, she already has her roadmap pathed out.

“Three fights I would like next, well Marie-Eve Dicaire is there, of course – she’s on the hit list,” ‘Miss GB’ smiled.

“I think Jessica McCaskill too, and definitely Claressa Shields, they are great fights. Even Katie Taylor – let’s get it on again at Croke Park in front of 80,000 people - that could happen next year, why not?

“But, I have got to beat Dicaire first, and that is my only priority right now.”

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