Natasha Jonas: Unified light-middleweight champion on an unforgettable year

The year has been an unforgettable one for the person.

She will look to win a third world title when she faces Marie-Eve Dicaire in Manchester on Saturday.

The dream of becoming a world champion became a reality in February when she knocked out Chris Namus.

Twelve months ago, she didn't know how she would become a world champion, but she knew she wanted to be one.

If she can keep her winning streak going, there will be a lot of big fights in the years to come, including an undisputed fight with the newly crowned WBA champion, or a scrap with the winner of the Shields match.

More than once, she has come back from the brink in the ring.

'I didn't want to end my boxing career'

It would be an understatement to say that there has been a lot of turmoil in his career.

The first female boxer to compete for Great Britain, was also the first woman to fight for Team Britain at the Olympics. She was beaten in the quarter-finals by Ireland'sKatie Taylor.

After turning professional at the age of 32, she was dealt a major blow when she lost her seventh fight.

She was able to rebuild her reputation with three consecutive victories, which resulted in two opportunities to become a world champion - a controversial draw withHarper for theWBC super-featherweight belt in August 2020 and a close points defeat byTaylor in May 2021.

She knew there was more to be done after those fights.

She didn't want to leave it like that after she lost to Obenauf. I didn't want that to happen to me.

I knew there was more I could do. I was wondering if I would ever become a world champion.

'I've never turned down a fight'

At the third time of asking, it happened when Jonas defeated the former world champion.

She sayslief was the first emotion.

It was like I had finally accomplished it. It was joy, then excitement, and finally just sharing a moment with everyone.

The previously perfect Berghult was outclassed.

The night went well despite the fact that all my family were there.

I was thinking "right, that's done" after everything went well. I had a good time. The pressure is gone.

I represent a lot of people and I don't want to let them down.

A third world title will be on the line when she takes on Dicaire for the IBF belt.

The Canadian has a pro record that includes a loss against Shields.

Even though a super-fight with Shields may be on the horizon, she is focused and ready to headline at a major venue.

I've always fought. She says it's never been done.

I know it's there, but if I don't pay attention to what's in front of me, that doesn't happen. There is nothing happening.