Natasha Jonas has finally reached boxing’s peak.
Saturday, Natasha Jonas became a world champion at the third time of asking by sensationally stopping Uruguay’s Christian Namus in two rounds in Manchester.
37-year-old Jonas claimed the vacant WBO super-welterweight strap after heavily knocking down Namus in each of the first two rounds.
The Liverpudlian had spoken of her aspiration to bring a world title belt back home to her daughter and, after twice falling short against Terri Harper and Katie Taylor, she has finally reached the mountaintop of boxing.
“I have been through hell and back. I’ve been through ups and downs,” Jonas said.
“I can’t even put it in words. People think I’m exaggerating when I say it means everything, but they honestly don’t know the sacrifices, not just boxers, but every athlete goes through.
“My little girl is at home with my cousin – Mommy did it. This is for you, she’s bringing the belt home.”
Jonas, nicknamed Miss GB, was the first female boxer to compete for Great Britain and the first woman to compete in the sport for Team GB at the Olympic Games.