Jonas vs Price: Welsh world champion unifies welterweight division with dominant win

Lauren Price comfortably outpointed Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall in London to settle their domestic rivalry and become a unified world champion, marking a shift in power within the women's boxing scene. This match garnered significant attention, symbolizing a new chapter for women's boxing. The victory showcased Price's skill and determination on a grand stage.

The 30-year-old used her speed, sharpness, and youthful advantage to keep the experienced Jonas at bay. In an all-female boxing main event held in London, Jonas struggled to find her rhythm throughout the 10 rounds. The results clearly indicated Price's dominance, suggesting she could potentially dominate the sport in the coming years. Her performance highlighted her potential for long-term success.

The 40-year-old Jonas from Liverpool looked dejected at the end of the fight, a stark contrast to the jubilant celebrations of the Welsh fighter, Price. The judges ultimately scored the bout 98-93, 100-90, and 98-92 in favor of Price. This victory solidified Price's status as an elite-level boxer and dispelled any doubts about her ability to perform on the big stage. The clear decision reflected Price's superior performance throughout the match.

In her ninth professional fight, Olympic gold medalist Price not only retained her WBA title but also claimed Jonas's WBC and IBF belts. After the fight, she called for an undisputed title fight against the winner of Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan, who hold the WBO title. Price stated, "Tash is one of the best in the division, and I truly believe I can become undisputed. I want to keep moving forward and create a great legacy." Her ambition to unify the titles demonstrates her commitment to achieving greatness in the sport.

However, Jonas's career prospects have become uncertain, bringing an end to the late-career resurgence of the Liverpool fighter. Jonas, a two-division world champion, suffered her third loss in 19 professional fights and hinted at a possible retirement. She stated, "That's something to go home and think about. Right now, I just want to go home and spend time with my daughter." This loss prompts reflection on her future in the sport after a long and accomplished career.

The Royal Albert Hall was nearly filled to capacity that night, with approximately 80% of the 5,272 seats occupied, creating a lively atmosphere. It has been a venue for British boxing matches since 1918. The audience, with a roughly equal gender split, enjoyed the exciting boxing performance from comfortable cushioned seats. Price entered first, wearing all black, and was greeted with loud boos, which were quickly drowned out by the Welsh folk song "Yma o Hyd." Jonas, a pioneer as the first British woman to compete in Olympic boxing, entered to Emeli Sandé's "Extraordinary Being" and Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)." The contrasting entrances set the stage for the intense competition that followed.

Before the fight, coach Joe Gallagher repeatedly instructed Jonas in the locker room on how to counter Price's fast attacks, but "Miss GB" struggled to adapt to her opponent's speed from the start. In the second round, Jonas was cornered and felt the force of a counter left hook, followed by a right hand that caused her to stagger. Price confidently danced on her toes, continuing to dominate, while Jonas's attacks appeared somewhat aimless. Price's early dominance established her control over the fight's tempo.

In the fifth round, Jonas began to attack more proactively, watched by her sister, footballer Nikita Parris, along with some of her England national team teammates, and television personalities including hosts Romesh Ranganathan and Stacey Dooley. But this success was short-lived. In the seventh round, a brilliant right hand hit Jonas's head, making her somewhat dizzy. Coach Gallagher told Jonas, "You have to let your hands go, baby." But it all seemed too late, and the outcome of the fight became increasingly clear. Despite her efforts, Jonas couldn't overcome Price's consistent performance.

Viewers in the second tier and stands had a clear view of the entire ring, and in the ninth round, Jonas fell to the ground after slipping. Price continued to land accurate blows on Jonas until the final second. Last year, Price defeated Jessica McCaskill to become the first Welsh female world champion in history. Less than a year later, she is only one victory away from unifying the division. If she can beat American fighter Mayer, it will give Price even greater recognition globally. A British derby against Ryan could headline British boxing matches. Price's pursuit of unification underscores her ambition and potential for future success.

Price stated, "I want to follow in Katie Taylor's footsteps—I'm Welsh, I'm an Olympic champion, and I have a nation behind me." Meanwhile, Jonas has achieved great things in the sport, but after a long and arduous career, it may now be time for her to hang up her gloves. She is an excellent and articulate commentator, manages young boxers, and also helps coach Gallagher in the corner. With her extensive experience and knowledge of the sport, she will be an integral part of British boxing in whatever capacity she chooses. Her contributions to boxing extend beyond her own career, shaping the future of the sport for others.