A Night of Glory: Lauren Price dominates Natasha Jonas
Lauren Price, the 29-year-old Welsh sensation and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, proved her pre-fight boasts to be more than mere bravado as she outshone Natasha Jonas in their all-British welterweight title unification bout. Price, now undefeated at 9-0 with 2 KOs, added Jonas’ WBC and IBF belts to her already impressive collection of WBA and Ring Magazine crowns. The fight, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall, was a masterclass in technical boxing, as Price used her youth, speed, and superior skill to dominate Jonas. The judges’ scorecards—100-90, 98-93, and 98-92—underscored the one-sided nature of the contest, with one official even returning a shutout verdict. While Jonas, a 40-year-old veteran and trailblazer for women’s boxing in the UK, showed glimpses of her renowned prowess, she simply could not match Price’s relentless pace and precision.
Round by Round: The Boxing Virtuoso
From the opening bell, Price’s sharpness was evident. A right hand caught Jonas squarely as both fighters threw simultaneously in the first round. Price, known for her quick reflexes, capitalized on this early advantage by landing another right on the inside as the round concluded. Jonas, despite her experience, was on the back foot from the get-go. In the second round, Price was briefly caught with a right hook as she pressed the action, but it did little to slow her down. She continued to set a furious pace, using a frequent double jab to keep Jonas at bay and following up with rapid combinations. The Liverpool-native tried to time Price with a big left hand, but the Welsh fighter’s agility and hand speed made it difficult for Jonas to connect effectively.
Tactical Superiority: Price’s Game Plan
The middle rounds saw Jonas attempting to land her signature left hand, which she did manage in the fifth round. However, Price’s tactical superiority was clear as she operated effectively off the back foot, countering with precision and speed. The fight’s established pattern became more pronounced in the second half—Jonas hunted for the fight-changing punch while Price darted in and out, banking rounds with her effective movement and accurate strikes. Price’s lead southpaw hooks to the body and head were particularly damaging, leaving Jonas disorganized and struggling to keep up.
The Penultimate Show of Power
In the penultimate round, Price seemed to dig deeper, perhaps sensing the opportunity to finish the fight in style. She landed several heavy punches, aiming to close the show with a bang. However, Jonas, a seasoned fighter, refused to be caught off guard. She absorbed the punishment and even found a home for her big left hook in the final round, making it a grueling firefight. Despite her clear discomfort, Dubois managed to trade punches until the final bell, showcasing her resilience and determination. The 10th round, while close, did not provide enough to justify the 95-95 score given by Korean judge Jae Bong Kim, further solidifying Price’s dominance.
The Future of Welterweight: Next Steps for Lauren Price
With her comprehensive victory, Lauren Price solidifies her position at the top of the 147 lbs division. The natural progression for her now would be an undisputed showdown with the winner of the Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan rematch. This potential superfight would not only crown an undisputed champion but also further elevate the status of women’s boxing. Price, with her winning combination of youth, skill, and confidence, is well-positioned to take on this challenge and continue her ascent in the sport. Her performance on this night serves as a clear statement of her intentions to dominate the welterweight division.
Honoring a Legend: Natasha Jonas’ Legacy
For Natasha Jonas, the loss, while disappointing, does nothing to diminish her legacy. From her historic bout against Katie Taylor at London 2012 to her spectacular late-career run as a two-weight world champion, Jonas has been a driving force in the advancement of women’s boxing in the UK. If she decides to retire, she can do so with pride and without any doubts about her place in the sport’s history. Her resilience and skill have inspired a generation of female boxers, and her performance against Price, a fighter who is simply in a different class, further attests to her status as a true legend of the ring. Tonight, the torch was passed, and Price ran away with it, but the respect and admiration for Jonas remain unwavering.
