LONDON, England — Lauren Price promised speed, power, and a clinical victory over Natasha Jonas, and she delivered exactly that.
She dominated from the opening bell to the final one, captivating the audience with her fast footwork, an incredibly quick jab, and the constant threat of her striking ability.
While this win elevates Price’s status, the entire event at London’s Royal Albert Hall was a fantastic showcase for women’s boxing.
Returning to the iconic venue brought a sense of nostalgia, a stark contrast to the past days of Henry Cooper and Muhammad Ali, where cigarette smoke filled the air and permeated the famous red seats.
It’s easy to forget that professional boxing for women was prohibited in Britain until 1998.
On Friday, the day before International Women’s Day, an all-female lineup took center stage, demonstrating the remarkable progress of the sport.
‘This is a very proud moment in my career, something I will cherish forever,’ Price stated at her post-fight press conference. ‘Legends like Muhammad Ali have boxed here.’
‘It’s truly special, not just for me, but for the entire undercard. It proves that women’s boxing, when featuring top-tier boxers, can deliver an outstanding event.’
Price shone as the star of the night, and a major undisputed fight now awaits. The Welsh boxer believes she can emulate Katie Taylor’s impact on the sport.
‘We’ve seen Katie Taylor build a huge following in Ireland, and I have Wales behind me. She’s an Olympic champion, and so am I. I genuinely believe I can sell out stadiums. That’s my dream and my goal.’
Mikaela Mayer or Sandy Ryan, who are scheduled for a rematch on March 29 for the WBO title, are potential future opponents. Either would be a compelling matchup both athletically and in terms of rivalry.
The verbal exchanges between Price and Mayer have already begun, with Price claiming Mayer declined a fight last year.
Ryan, on the other hand, would offer an exciting all-British showdown for undisputed status.
Promoter Ben Shalom mentioned that he and Price will be present at the Mayer versus Ryan fight, ensuring immediate momentum for a future undisputed clash.
‘This is the fight that women’s boxing needs,’ Shalom emphasized. ‘Big fights are essential for attracting audiences to the sport, which is what generated tonight’s interest. Lauren and I will be in Vegas in a couple of weeks for that fight.’
‘Mikaela has already stated her ambition to become undisputed champion if she wins. I believe this is the most logical fight in boxing terms.’