Natasha Jonas embraces the underdog role ahead of her high-stakes clash with unbeaten champion Lauren Price.
As the countdown to one of boxing’s most anticipated fights of the year intensifies, Natasha Jonas is ready to take on the pressure, or rather, pass it on to her opponent. In a thrilling welterweight showdown at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 7 March, Jonas will face the undefeated Lauren Price, the current WBA titleholder, with both fighters vying for dominance in the ring.
Price, a 30-year-old Welsh boxing sensation, is the favourite to win the bout, having maintained a flawless record in her professional career. The Olympic gold medalist is the reigning champion, and many expect her to extend her winning streak. However, Jonas, who is not one to shy away from a challenge, insists that the pressure is firmly on Price, not her.
“The pressure’s not on me,” Jonas confidently stated ahead of the much-anticipated clash. “Lauren’s the champion who’s never lost a round. She’s the Olympic gold medallist. There’s a lot of pressure on her to do what she says she can do. Being the underdog suits me. I’ve been here before. It’s not something new, and I always come out shining.”
Jonas, 40, has had her fair share of battles, having boxed 115 rounds professionally compared to Price’s 54. But Jonas is unfazed by the age gap and the fact that Price has an undefeated record. She sees herself as the perfect disruptor to Price’s immaculate career.
The two rivals met for the first time since the fight announcement at a press conference in London’s Dorchester hotel. Despite facing off multiple times during the event, the atmosphere was less intense than expected, especially after Jonas’ coach Joe Gallagher’s phone rang repeatedly throughout the conference.
Responding to Jonas’ bold words, Price remained confident, expressing that she thrives under pressure. “Take age out of it, I know I am better in all areas,” Price commented. “I will admit that Tasha is my toughest test, but I believe she will bring another level of my game out, and I rise again.”
Price, who remains unbeaten in her eight professional fights, will look to defend her perfect record against Jonas. However, Jonas, known as ‘Miss GB,’ has established herself as one of the most accomplished female boxers in history, having won five world titles in two weight divisions in just three years. With a career record of 16 wins, two losses, and one draw, Jonas is no stranger to the challenge of top-tier competition.
“It’s all about being the first,” Jonas reflected on the prospect of ending Price’s undefeated streak. “The first is something that nobody can take away. I’ve been here before, and you’ve got to be careful what you wish for.”
This monumental showdown will take place on International Women’s Day, with an all-female undercard featuring WBC lightweight champion Caroline Dubois, debutant Cindy Ngamba, and world title challenger Raven Chapman. The event promises to showcase the rising stars of women’s boxing as they continue to make their mark in the sport.
With both fighters bringing unmatched intensity and ambition, the stage is set for an electrifying night of boxing, where history could be made, and unbeaten records could be shattered.
