Lauren Price may clash with British rival Natasha Jonas. But the WBA welterweight titleholder has some business to attend to. Before she was fully focused on fighting her fellow Olympians.
On December 14th in Liverpool, England, both belt holders will share the same bill.
Price will defend her title against Bexy. Colombia’s Mateus Meanwhile, IBF champion Jonas and WBC titleholder Ivana Habazin will unify the 147-pound division.
Provided that Price and Jonas are not injured. A fight for reunification between the two Britons in 2025 is yet to be agreed upon.
First things first, however: Price, 7-0 (1 KO), has to deal with little-known Mateus, 7-0 (6 KO).
“She’s game, she’s got a good track record,” the Olympic gold medalist said during a recent interview on talkSPORT.
“She has had seven fights and six knockouts, so she can take a few punches. But I am more than confident that I will get the job done in style. Stick to what I’m good at and get the win tonight.”
Mateus’ record may indicate that she has rare powers, while Habazin is a wise and experienced veteran. But it would be a real shock if Price or Jonas stumbled upon the final obstacle and ruined plans for a major unification battle.
Flies in the ointment can rust.
Price hasn’t fought since Jessica. McCaskill came out of the box to win the WBA, IBO and Ring titles in May. Jonas, on the other hand, has not been seen since she defended her title against Mikaela. Meyer succeeded in January.
In an ideal world, Price would like to make up for lost time and enter a direct unification fight with Jonas. Instead, she’ll have to allow (at least) a few more months.
Her reward for her patience Of course, if she and Jonas both win. There will be three domestic competitions next year.
“I am excited. If it was up to me I would have boxed her this time in December, just me and her, but you know, it was planned a little bit differently. We all have different opponents,” Price said.
“I am on the undercard. But it is what it is. For me, I think I just have to watch because I’m eager and out before the end of the year.
“I can enjoy Pigs in Blankets at Christmas. At one point I thought I would be boxing in January. And I thought, ‘Oh no, no Christmas dinner.’ I thought that was a positive.
“I definitely want that fight. It is a big fight for English football fans. A big battle.”
The momentum generated by women’s boxing has stalled in recent months. But last weekend’s standout match between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano gave the sport a serious shot in the arm. Taylor’s brilliant victory was seen by a huge audience around the world. And it could be the impetus for promoters to start having women’s fights on their cards again.
Price was already imagining what the card she filled with Jonas would be like. But her most important thing is to make sure that the next fight happens.
“I have the utmost respect for Tasha and I think it’s a great fight,” she said. “I was lucky enough to be on the (Claressa) Shields – (Savannah) card. Marshall, and I hope we get headlines again. It might be on an all-female card. That would be great. But of course I want the next fight.”
John Evans has contributed to a number of high-profile publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John at @John_Evans79
