Natasha Jonas has hit back at Ivana Habazin's claim that she only beat Mikaela Mayer courtesy of a “city decision” as flames were sent in ahead of Saturday's world title unification fight.
Liverpool-born IBF welterweight champion Jonas will be looking to unify the division on Saturday when she welcomes Croatian WBC champion Habazin to Merseyside, stay on it Sky Sports.
In front of a partisan home crowd in January, Jonas ended a fierce 10-round battle against Mayer by split decision to retain her IBF belt.
Mayer thought she had won the tournament after winning widely on one scorecard, only to lose the other two, but Habazin believes home advantage played a role as the fighters exchanging words in the run up to fight night.
“For me, I thought the fight was a draw and Natasha got the hometown decision,” Habazin said. Sky Sports.
“Natasha started well, and Mikaela came on stronger in the remaining rounds. I think Mikaela hurt Natasha a few times but she couldn't finish her off.
“There's a lot I've taken from that fight. I've seen some things that will help me a lot. Of course, every fighter is different, and every style is different, but I have prepared myself well and I believe that I will win.”
Jonas defeated Mayer by split decision in January
When asked if, as an away fighter, she had any concerns about being judged, Habazin said: “I've fought city fighters before. Sometimes I've won, sometimes I've lost.
“But, of course, when you come to fight on someone else's show, there's always a hometown advantage. That's why in all my training, I've been doing everything to make sure I leave no doubt for the judges.
“I'm going to give it my all, and I know Natasha will give it her all too. It's all or nothing for both of us. We're both going to come and giving 100 percent, but at the end of the day it's going to come down to who wants it the most.”
Habazin's comments received a quick rebuttal from Jonas, who replied: “I watched the fight back, I understand some rounds were close, but I think I won. That's how it was e, the judges thought the same thing.”
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Saturday's tournament will be the 19th of Jonas' professional career, and only the eighth that has taken place in her hometown of Liverpool.
“It's always (a great night in front of your own fans),” said the 40-year-old. “It's every boxer's dream, to box in front of a home crowd , in front of your family and friends.
“There are times in the ring when it gets tough, you're a little bit tired, a little bit sore, but when you hear the noise of the crowd it motivates you and motivates you.
“That's exactly what happened against Mikaela Mayer and I expect it to happen on Saturday as well.”
Jonas vs Habazin live on Sky Sports
Watch Natasha Jonas vs Ivana Habazin and Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus on December 14, live on Sky Sports + from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 8.30pm, or follow updates via our exclusive live blog on website and Sky Sports app.
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