April 29, 2024
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Lauren Price is already considering routes forward ahead of her world title challenge next month (May 11) against WBA welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill (13-3-1, 5KOs).
Price (6-0, 1KO), who captured gold at the Tokyo Olympics, challenges for the belt in only her seventh professional fight, such is her confidence and that of coach Robert McCraken.
The duo’s working relationship saw Price become one of the most decorated amateur fighters Britain has produced. Before her Olympic gold in the Japanese capital, she earned gold medals at the Commonwealth Games (2018), European Games (2019), and World Championships (2019).
Price challenges McCaskill in Cardiff, in her native Wales, in the stiffest test of her young career to date against the former undisputed welterweight champion who brought the long title reign of Cecilia Braekhus to an end at 147lbs.
The Welshwoman believes victory over the American will mark the start of her journey at the highest level.
“I think this fight will kind of open up me creating a legacy, with me boxing in Wales in a good fight,” Price told Sky Sports. “You know I want to go on from there and I think this fight is an exciting fight for the fans as well.
“I’m fighting against somebody who’s been a legitimate champion, and I believe I will win the fight. From there, I just keep progressing to bigger and bigger fights.”
Promotional stablemate Natasha Jonas (15-2-1, 9KOs) has long been touted as a potential opponent, with promoter Ben Shalom open to the contest.
Price confirmed that she would be interested in facing Jonas but is ultimately leaving the decision in the hands of McCraken, her coach and manager.
“Definitely,” said Price regarding her willingness to challenge Jonas if she successfully negates past McCaskill. “Everyone. Anyone who has a belt at 147 is on my agenda, and those are the big fights I want.
“Obviously, Rob [McCracken] is the guy who makes all the decisions, but we’ve talked over it briefly and I believe in my ability.
“My team believes in me and I believe I can beat them all. That’s just the mindset that I’ve got. I did great things in the amateurs, and I believe I’m going to do great things in the pros.”
Price enjoyed a friendship with Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) during their time on the Great Britain amateur set-up. Ryan is the WBO world welterweight champion and hopes to unify, too.
Olympic champion Price is willing to sacrifice friendship, temporarily, to secure a fight with Ryan future and reiterated that she is targeting fights with the welterweight champions.
“Sandy and I, we were obviously friends on Team GB. We came through GB together and I’ve got respect for her and and stuff like that,” said Price.
“At the end of the day, you know boxing is boxing and it’s a great fight, definitely, and something that I’m 100 per cent open to.
“I’ve said anybody at 147 with a world title, I’d happily fight. I’m sure that fight will happen in the future.”
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