Natasha Jonas v Mikaela Mayer: Briton retains welterweight world title by split decision

Natasha Jonas retained her IBF welterweight title with a close split-decision win over Mikaela Mayer at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.

Both women enjoyed success in a terrific back-and-forth, all-action encounter, in a result which will divide opinion.

The scorecards read 96-94, 96-95 to Jonas, with one judge scoring it 97-93 to Mayer.

In front of her home crowd in Liverpool, Jonas continues a golden period in the twilight of her career.

After her win the 39-year-old two-weight world champion said this will be her last year in boxing after she extended her record to 15 wins, two defeats and one draw.

American Mayer, 33, lost on points for the second time in her 21-fight career.

More to follow.