Natasha Jonas: Ready to Walk the Walk

Given all the trash-talk that has become part and parcel of professional boxing, listening to Great Britain amateur boxer Natasha Jonas speak of her desire for Olympic glory is a breath of fresh air.

Despite only taking up boxing five years ago, 26-year old Jonas is tipped to lead Team GB’s women’s boxing medal hopes in the Olympic debut for the sport at London 2012.

But before she can dream of walking into the Olympic stadium in Stratford for the opening ceremony Jonas must overcome her rivals for the 60kg lightweight division in the British elite boxing squad to then have the chance at a final qualifying bout to make the Games.

After missing out on selection for the World Championships earlier this year to her main rival Amanda Coulson, Jonas exacted some revenge last month, defeating Coulson on points to win the Great Britain Amateur Boxing Championships and confirm her status as Britain’s number one in the lightweight division.

However, Jonas accepts it is ‘going to be tough’ to get picked and she must maintain her domestic form while performing well internationally to ensure her qualification for the Olympic spot.

Rated in the world top ten in the 64kg division, Jonas has had to drop 4 kg to be eligible for the top Olympic weight division. While she concedes keeping under the lower weight is tough, since joining the elite squad she has had access to a nutritionist and feels fitter and faster than ever while also maintaining her strength from the heavier class.

‘It was really difficult on my own before I was selected in the training squad. Now we’ve got a nutritionist telling us what to eat and when to eat it, before all you have is second-hand information from people in the gym,’ Jonas said.

‘Now I know what supplements I should be taking to get my energy levels up and lose weight.

‘I’m much fitter, at 63kg I thought I was at my peak but I’ve realised that I could come down. I’m much quicker and I’ve brought my power down with me.’

Next up for the four-time Amateur Boxing Association champion and last year’s European Union champion is a multi-nations event in Sheffield later this month before looking ahead to the European Championships again next year.

From January the women’s elite boxing squad will ramp up their preparations for London 2012 and begin training from Monday to Thursday each week at the English Institute of Sport alongside their male counterparts.

While the training regime will require extensive periods away from home for Jonas her sponsored job at Liverpool City Council allows her to take as much time off work as she needs to follow her boxing dreams.

However for Jonas all the sacrifices are justified with her goals in mind – the once in a lifetime opportunity to win a medal at a home Olympic Games and leaving a legacy for women’s boxing.

‘It’s gonna be massive having a home Olympics. It’s the first time for women’s boxing so I’m keen to put on a good show and keep it in there for next time as well.

‘The only thing you can aim for is a medal. You’ve got to get in there and go for it and give it your best shot. That’s all I’ll be focussing on.’