Natasha Jonas gave absolutely everything as she came up narrowly short in her undisputed lightweight title showdown with WBO, IBF, WBA, WBC champion Katie Taylor on Saturday.

Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) was facing Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) at the AO Arena in Manchester. The action started slow, but picked up in the second half - with the final few rounds producing a sensational back and forth battle between the two women.

During the sixth round, Jonas momentarily buzzed Taylor with a well-timed power shot, but all ten rounds were extremely competitive as both fighters gave their absolute all.

It went the distance, with the judges narrowly scoring it 96-94, 96-95, 96-95 in Taylor’s favor. Taylor secured the decision by let her hands go in the final two rounds of the contest.

Jonas, who lost to Taylor in the Olympic trials when they were amateurs, is more than happy to make a trilogy fight in the near future.

In her last fight, Jonas fought to a ten round draw with super featherweight champion Terri Harper. There were many observers who felt Jonas had done enough to pull out the win in that fight.

Jonas said: “I knew it was close. Every time I’m asked to step up, I do. When the team is ready, I will fight Katie again. I feel I belong at this level. Twice I’ve proven it, and I want to win titles and I want to become a champion.

“There were rounds that I hurt her but I gave her some time to recover, but it’s all learning as this is only my 12th professional fight. Anybody from 130lbs to 140lbs, I’m ready.”