Lauren Price believes she is too young, fast, and skilled for Natasha Jonas, while Jonas counters that she is too clever, experienced, and precise for Price. When the two meet at the Royal Albert Hall, expect nothing short of a thrilling showdown.
The British rivals are set to clash in a world title unification fight on Friday, March 7. Jonas, the WBC and IBF champion following her victory over Ivana Habazin in December, will face Price, the WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine champion after her knockout win over Bexcy Mateus.
Jonas, who has faced tougher opponents in her career, is confident in her abilities despite Price’s undefeated 8-0 record since turning professional as an Olympic champion.
“I think Mikaela Mayer is a more versatile fighter, and that’s the best name on my resume,” Jonas said on Gloves Are Gone. “She’s won every round as a professional comfortably, and no one has pushed her. The best she’s fought is a very poor Jessica McCaskill. Price is definitely on my level, but I believe I’m better. Between me, Lauren, Mayer, Sandy Ryan, Chantelle Cameron, and Katie Taylor, there’s a very small difference. I don’t believe this will be my hardest fight.”
Price and Jonas exchanged heated words after their victories in December, setting the stage for a fascinating clash between two fighters at opposite ends of their careers. Price questioned Jonas’s desire to face her, while Jonas dismissed Price’s claims, suggesting bigger fights await—potentially against Irish legend Katie Taylor.
“No, this isn’t the fight she wanted,” Price said. “Katie Taylor isn’t in our weight class, and she’s already beaten her twice. There’s nothing personal here; I want to create a legacy and win world titles. I’ve proven I’m ready with my past performances. I believe I’m the best at 147. Tasha has two belts, and I want to unify and become undisputed. This is my toughest test yet. She has good ring IQ, but I believe I’m better in every area. If it were up to me, we’d have boxed in December. I understand why she didn’t want to fight me.”
At 40, Jonas is no stranger to being doubted, but she insists she’s still at the top of her game. “We’ve seen Katie Taylor performing at the highest level, and she’s a few years younger than me. Same goes for top male fighters,” Jonas said. “Age is more of a concern for others than for the athlete. Every fight, you learn, improve, and get better. I still believe I’m improving. When I feel I’m declining, I’ll consider retirement, but that decision is mine to make.”
Price, on the other hand, admits she doesn’t see herself boxing at 40 like Jonas but refrains from commenting on whether Jonas should retire. However, she took issue with Jonas’ suggestion that her Olympic gold medal came when the best fighters weren’t competing.
“The Chinese boxer I defeated in the finals is now an Olympic champion,” Price said. “The Panamanian boxer I faced in the quarterfinals is an Olympic silver medalist. To say otherwise is disrespectful to them because they’re great athletes. I’m the most decorated amateur boxer from GB, and I think her comment was irrelevant.”
Price has made it clear she aims to move swiftly through the professional ranks, but she acknowledges Jonas is her toughest challenge yet. “I’m 10 or 11 years younger, faster, better, and I believe it,” she said. “This fight will earn me the respect I deserve and show everyone how good I am. I respect Tasha, but I believe this fight opens another door for me. I’ll win in style.”
Watch Natasha Jonas vs. Lauren Price in their all-British world title unification fight at the Royal Albert Hall, live on Sky Sports on Friday, March 7.
