The stage is set for a groundbreaking moment in women’s boxing history as Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price prepare to collide in a welterweight unification bout at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. With tensions running high, the seasoned Jonas had a stern warning for her younger rival: be careful what you wish for.
The March 7th showdown, strategically scheduled on the eve of International Women’s Day, will see Jonas put her IBF and WBC titles on the line against Price’s WBA strap. It’s a classic case of experience versus youth, with the 40-year-old Jonas boasting a 16-2-1 record compared to Price’s unblemished 8-0 slate.
Jonas: “I Decide When It’s Time”
Despite murmurs of retirement in 2024, Jonas made it clear that she’s the one calling the shots on her career. “I decide when it’s time [to retire], be careful what you wish for,” she cautioned Price at Tuesday’s news conference. Jonas was quick to point out that the pressure rests squarely on her opponent’s shoulders.
“Lauren’s the champion whose never lost a round, the Olympic gold medallist. There’s a lot of pressure on her to come and do what she says she can do. The underdog suits me. I’ve been here before.”
– Natasha Jonas
The Liverpudlian also zeroed in on Price’s undefeated record, expressing her eagerness to be the first to blemish it. “I love being the first and the first is something no one can take away,” Jonas declared, sending a clear message that she’s not intimidated by her rival’s accolades.
Price Unfazed by Underdog Status
For her part, Price seemed unfazed by her relative inexperience in the pro ranks. The Welsh sensation oozed confidence, stating, “I know I’m better in all areas, I back myself. My accolades speak for themselves.” She pointed to her rapid rise, stepping up in each fight despite being “fresh in the pro game.”
Price also drew parallels to her Olympic journey, where she thrived under immense pressure to capture gold. “With pressure comes diamonds and I will be coming out on March 7 as the winner and taking them belts back to Wales,” she vowed. The 28-year-old believes in herself just as much as Jonas does, and referenced her dominant victory over Jessica McCaskill as proof of her readiness for this moment.
A Night of Firsts at the Royal Albert Hall
Beyond the tantalizing main event, the card promises to be a historic occasion for women’s boxing. Staged at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, which has hosted legends like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis over its storied century of boxing, this will be the first-ever all-female bill at the revered venue.
Adding to the significance, WBC lightweight champion Caroline Dubois is slated to defend her title against a to-be-announced opponent. Dubois’ presence underscores the depth of talent in British women’s boxing and the growing demand for marquee events like this one.
The Verdict
As Jonas and Price’s paths hurtle towards collision, the boxing world waits with bated breath. Will Jonas’ vast experience prove too much for the precocious Price? Or will youth be served as Price announces her arrival at the pinnacle of the sport?
Regardless of the outcome, March 7th promises to be a landmark night for women’s boxing. With global interest at an all-time high and the stakes never greater, Jonas and Price are poised to etch their names in the history books and inspire a new generation of female fighters. The question is, who will have their hand raised when the final bell tolls at the Royal Albert Hall?
