Lauren Price Secures Hard-Fought Victory in Cardiff, Looks Ahead to Wedding and Future Fights
Lauren Price emerged victorious in a bloody and bruising encounter in Cardiff, successfully defending her world welterweight titles against Stephanie Pineiro. The Welsh fighter secured a unanimous points decision, with judges scoring the contest 98-92 and 99-91, ensuring the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts remained in Wales.
A Bloody Battle with Wedding Plans in Mind
Despite the convincing victory, Price sustained a significant cut to her mouth from the fifth round onward, leaving her visibly bloodied throughout the remainder of the fight. The injury prompted nervous glances among her fans, but Price remained composed under pressure.
"I think it looks a lot worse than it is if I'm honest," said Price, 31, after taking her unblemished professional record to double figures. "It's a little cut in my mouth, but (trainer) Rob McCracken kept me calm and collected."
The timing presents an interesting challenge for Price, who is scheduled to marry partner Carlie Jones on May 30. "Hopefully my partner's still going to marry me in May," she quipped after the fight.
Although the cuts and bruises might not have disappeared before her hen night next Saturday, Price will venture out in Cardiff still on top of the world after producing another measured display in difficult circumstances.
Pineiro's Challenge Falls Short
Stephanie Pineiro was emboldened by Price's blood-splattered face and vest, but the Puerto Rican challenger was unable to bridge the gap in class as her own unbeaten record fell. Price acknowledged the challenge, stating: "I knew it was going to be tough, I've been out of the ring for a year and it was a mandatory defence as well. She's probably second best in the division and a tough girl."
The Welsh champion demonstrated her growing maturity in the ring, explaining: "But I showed another level in there in toughness in front of the home fans. Another level of maturity. Stay calm, stick to my boxing, and get through."
Eyes on Claressa Shields Showdown
Four-weight world champion Claressa Shields was ringside in Cardiff, and Price is now targeting a two-fight deal with the American superstar. Talks are already underway between the respective camps, with the pair facing off in the ring after Price's victory.
A potential match could be made at middleweight – the division at which Price won Olympic gold in Tokyo five years ago. Price expressed her respect for Shields while asserting her own ambitions: "I fully respect Shields. I think she's the best in the game and to be the best you have to beat the best. Full credit to her for what she's done in her career, but I honestly believe in myself. I'm just getting better and better."
The Welsh fighter outlined her vision for the potential showdown: "I'm in this game for the biggest fights and I want to be a multi-weight world champion. What a great honour it would be to share the ring with Shields, and not just for one fight. I said to her 'I'll go to America and you come to Wales' and she shook on it."
Promoter Sees Stadium Potential
Price's Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom expressed confidence in the potential matchup, noting: "Lauren's that good a fighter that a lot of fighters don't fancy it. Shields is the biggest name in the sport. She recognises that Lauren is coming into her prime at 31 and wants legacy fights. Hopefully one in the stadium here in Cardiff because she's probably too big for this arena now."
Following the fight, Price attended a brief post-fight press conference before heading to a nearby hospital for a check-up on her mouth injury. Despite the physical toll, her spirits remained high as she looks forward to both her upcoming wedding and potential career-defining fights.
