Loud calls for rematch after Terri Harper's thrilling draw with Natasha Jonas

Denaby Main fighter Harper retained her WBC and IBO super featherweight crowns with a split draw decision against veteran Jonas following a breathless contest in the back garden of Matchroom Boxing’s headquarters.

Both women spoke of their interest in renewing their rivalry and looking for a decisive victory after a bout that was too close to call.

But banging the drum the loudest for a rematch was promoter Eddie Hearn, who insists it must take place again if Harper’s responsibilities as champion do not take precedence.

The winner of the bout had been tipped to face new Matchroom signing and WBO champion Ewa Brodnicka next in a title unification fight.

And Harper is set to be called to defend her WBC title against interim champion Katharina Thanderz.

But Hearn before any of that takes place Hearn hopes to fit in a rematch between Harper and Jonas.

“We have to see that fight again as far as I’m concerned,” Hearn said.

“I know we’re talking about unifications with Ewa Brodnicka, who we’ve just signed. Terri has got a mandatory with Thanders

“For me, if we can’t do the unification and it looks like Brodnicka might have to fight Mikaela Mayer, you have to do that again.

“You have to give Natasha Jonas the opportunity.

“Whether she won, lost or drew - I don’t think you can argue either way. But she deserves another shot at a world title.”

Harper was down on her own performance after a fight in which she was drawn in by wily Jonas but insisted she will learn from it.

She said: “I’m disappointed with my performance but I’ve got to think I’m 23-years-old, I had 16 amateur fights and that was my 11th pro fight, and competition on the big stage.

“I went out there and dug deep.

“I just want to thank Tasha for an excellent fight. That was a big learning fight for me.

“I’ll be back in the gym quickly for the next one.

“I knew she was a tough opponent. I just didn’t expect her to come out like that.

“She clearly put it all in for that training camp and she was fighting for a world title so she was always going to come out and give it everything.

“I’ll learn a lot from that.

“I was being lazy and getting caught a lot with the back hand.

“I just didn’t seem to wake up.

“No excuses but I’ve got a lot to learn and I will definitely learn from that.”

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