Liverpool was the centre of the boxing world on December 14, 2024, as the Exhibition Centre hosted a thrilling night of championship bouts and rising stars. This boxing review dives into every round of the action-packed card, including Natasha Jonas’s unification triumph, Lauren Price’s devastating knockout, Stephen McKenna’s relentless performance, and Viddal Riley’s emphatic return. Boxing fans were treated to a showcase of skill, heart, and drama—everything you could want in a fight night.
Natasha Jonas vs Ivana Habazin: Unified IBF and WBC Welterweight Titles
Round 1: Jonas Sets the Tone
Natasha Jonas opened the fight with sharp jabs, immediately asserting her dominance. Habazin, a seasoned fighter, struggled to find her range as Jonas’s movement and ring control set the tone.
Round 2: Jonas Lands Clean Shots
Jonas continued to build momentum, landing clean left hooks and frustrating Habazin’s attempts to mount an attack. Habazin tried to increase her output, but Jonas’s counters kept her at bay.
Round 3: Power and Precision
Jonas turned up the pressure in the third, mixing power shots to the body and head. Habazin, showing grit, absorbed the punishment but found herself pinned against the ropes several times.
Round 4: Habazin’s Resilience
The Croatian challenger attempted to push forward, landing her first significant shots of the fight. However, Jonas’s combinations and superior timing ensured she stayed ahead.
Rounds 5-6: Jonas in Full Control
Jonas’s jab remained the key weapon as she dominated the middle rounds. A precise uppercut in Round 6 drew gasps from the crowd, as Habazin appeared increasingly fatigued.
Rounds 7-9: Jonas Cruises
The Liverpool native showcased her full arsenal, mixing feints, hooks, and bodywork. Habazin’s resilience was admirable, but Jonas was simply in a different class.
Round 10: The Final Push
Jonas pressed for a finish in the final round, but Habazin held on until the bell. The judges awarded Jonas a unanimous decision, making her the unified IBF and WBC Welterweight Champion.
“This is for Liverpool, and I’m not done yet!” Jonas said post-fight, hinting at her ambitions to unify the division completely.
Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus: WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles
Round 1: Price Takes Control
Lauren Price wasted no time asserting her dominance, using her superior footwork and quick hands to keep Mateus on the back foot.
Round 2: Early Scare for Price
Mateus landed a powerful right hand that briefly stunned Price. However, Price quickly recovered, firing back with sharp counters to win the round.
Round 3: Masterclass in Movement
Price showcased her Olympic pedigree, using angles and movement to land crisp combinations. Mateus struggled to land anything significant.
Round 4: Price Turns Up the Heat
Sensing an opportunity, Price increased her tempo, landing a left hook that visibly hurt Mateus. Price’s confidence grew as she controlled every exchange.
Round 5: The Knockout
In a spectacular finish, Price landed a thunderous left hook that sent Mateus to the canvas. The referee waved it off as Mateus failed to beat the count, cementing Price’s dominance in the division.
“Jonas knows where to find me if she wants these belts,” Price said in her post-fight interview, teasing a potential unification bout.
Stephen McKenna vs Lee Cutler: WBC International Welterweight Silver Title
Round 1: McKenna’s Aggression
McKenna started the fight with his trademark aggression, throwing heavy shots and backing Cutler onto the ropes. Cutler’s counters kept him in the round, but McKenna’s pace was relentless.
Round 2: Body Shots Take Their Toll
McKenna’s focus on the body began to wear Cutler down. A brutal left hook to the ribs visibly slowed Cutler, who struggled to respond.
Round 3: Cutler Fires Back
Cutler had his best round, landing sharp counters as McKenna pressed forward. However, McKenna’s relentless pressure still gave him the edge.
Rounds 4-6: McKenna Pulls Away
The Irishman’s power shots began to overwhelm Cutler. By Round 6, McKenna was landing at will, forcing Cutler into survival mode.
Round 7: The Finish
McKenna unleashed a flurry of punches, leaving Cutler unable to defend himself. The referee stepped in to stop the fight, awarding McKenna a TKO victory and the WBC International Welterweight Silver Title.
“This is just the start—I’m ready for bigger challenges,” McKenna said after his dominant win.
Viddal Riley vs Steve Eloundou Ntere: English Cruiserweight Title
Round 1: Riley Establishes Control
Riley started cautiously, using his jab to keep Eloundou Ntere at range. The crowd roared every time Riley landed a clean shot.
Round 2: Riley Finds His Rhythm
A big right hand from Riley rocked Eloundou Ntere, who struggled to recover. Riley’s patience paid off as he began to land with increasing frequency.
Round 3: Dominance on Display
Riley was in complete control, landing heavy combinations while avoiding Eloundou Ntere’s wild counters. It was only a matter of time before the end came.
Round 4: Knockout Finish
A perfectly timed right cross from Riley ended the fight in spectacular fashion. Eloundou Ntere hit the canvas, and the referee immediately waved it off.
“I’m back, and this is just the beginning,” Riley said, looking ahead to bigger opportunities in the cruiserweight division.
What’s Next for These Fighters?
- Natasha Jonas: A unification bout with Lauren Price seems inevitable. Both fighters have the belts, skills, and fanbases to make this a massive event.
- Lauren Price: Price’s stunning knockout has only added to the excitement of a potential clash with Jonas. Will 2025 see the ultimate British showdown?
- Stephen McKenna: After his emphatic win, McKenna looks ready for a step up in competition. He’s clearly on a path to becoming a major force in the welterweight division.
- Viddal Riley: With the English Cruiserweight Title now his, Riley is ready to target European or world-level opposition.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s fight night delivered all the drama and excitement boxing fans could hope for. Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price shone as two of Britain’s brightest stars, while Stephen McKenna and Viddal Riley left no doubt about their potential.
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What did you think of the fights? Should Jonas vs Price happen next? Leave your thoughts and comments below!