Despite their insistence that it’s not personal, the tension between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price has been palpable as they prepare to face off.
With Jonas’ WBC and IBF titles, and Price’s WBA welterweight belt on the line, the stakes are clear. However, this fight is about more than just championship titles; it’s about legacy and future opportunities.
Price (8-0, 2 KOs) and Jonas (16-2-1, 9 KOs) will headline a landmark all-women’s boxing event at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Friday (Sky Sports, 6 p.m. GMT).
The victor will join a celebrated list of boxing legends who have triumphed at this iconic venue, including Henry Cooper, Naseem Hamed, Frank Bruno, and Lennox Lewis. More importantly, they will advance towards a potential undisputed championship fight against either Mikaela Mayer or Sandy Ryan, who are scheduled for a rematch on March 29.
The pre-fight exchanges have been sharp. Price doubts Jonas genuinely wants this fight, while Jonas believes Price is not her toughest opponent yet. Jonas has highlighted Price’s relative inexperience in high-stakes professional bouts, despite Price’s undefeated record.
This matchup is also seen as a potential generational shift. Jonas, at 40, considered retirement last year. A victory over the younger, rising star Price could propel her towards a fight for all the welterweight belts, solidifying her place in boxing history.
However, the 30-year-old Price is confident in her abilities, frequently using the phrase: ‘Too young, too quick, too good.’
‘I acknowledge her extensive experience,’ Jonas stated, ‘but there are certain trials in the professional ring that Price has yet to encounter.’
Jonas questioned Price’s claims of superior speed, saying, ‘Do you believe you are faster than Katie Taylor or Caroline Dubois? I am accustomed to that level of speed. While Price is quick for a 75kg boxer, I have experience with truly exceptional hand speed.’
Price, an Olympic and Commonwealth gold medalist, has suggested she was ready for a world title fight from her professional debut, a notion Jonas dismisses.
Price commented on Jonas’ assessment of her, ‘When she implies I’m not as skilled as Mikaela Mayer, I think it’s just pre-fight talk. Deep down, she knows my capabilities. It’s not personal; it’s a significant fight, and I respect her, but I am confident I am the better fighter overall.’
Price further elaborated on her amateur pedigree: ‘I’ve competed in every major amateur tournament and am the most accomplished amateur boxer from Great Britain. I’ve faced diverse styles and weights.’
Regarding Jonas’ professional experience, Price stated, ‘Yes, she has more pro experience, but looking at her opponents outside of Katie Taylor, Mikaela Mayer, and Viviane Obenauf (who defeated her), I’m not impressed by the rest.’
Despite holding two title belts and having more experience, Jonas is positioning herself as the underdog in this fight.
Jonas’ trainer, Joe Gallagher, criticized those who have embraced the hype surrounding Price and are underestimating his fighter.
‘She has been knocked down in both amateur and sparring sessions. She’s not the invincible force some are portraying her to be,’ Gallagher commented at Tuesday’s media event.
‘I believe many boxing experts are being swayed by the narrative around Price.’
‘Tasha has faced defeats, and we are not claiming to be unbeatable or flawless.’
‘Lauren will face adversity on Friday night and ultimately lose the fight. Remember my words, and I expect everyone to acknowledge Jonas’s achievement and apologize for overlooking her potential in this matchup.’