Welsh welterweight champion Lauren Price is making her case for an immediate blockbuster matchup with American boxing sensation Claressa Shields, arguing that both fighters are at their peak and there’s no benefit in postponing the bout.
The 31-year-old British fighter recently successfully defended her WBC, WBA and IBF championship belts against Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff earlier this month. Following that victory, Price had a dramatic face-off with undisputed heavyweight champion Shields inside the ring, igniting speculation about a future showdown between the two stars.
Price revealed that pursuing fights against elite competition has been her goal ever since capturing Olympic gold at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
“I want to be involved in the biggest fights, to create a legacy. I’m in my prime. She’s in her prime. We’re at a similar age. So why should we wait? Why should I wait until towards the end of my career?” the 31-year-old told Reuters.
“If I’m here now and feeling good, I’m like, ‘yeah, let’s make the fight’. I’ll fight anyone. I think it’s a great fight. Our accolades speak for themselves.
“I’ve got an Olympic gold medal. She’s got two. She’s a great, great fighter and I would love to share the ring with her. It’s the biggest fight out there.”
WEIGHT DIFFERENCE POSES NO CONCERN
The potential matchup would require significant weight adjustments, as Shields competed at 174 pounds during her February victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn, while Price weighed just over 146 pounds for her recent win against Pineiro. Such a bout would necessitate the Welsh fighter moving up multiple weight divisions.
Price outlined her strategy to compete at 154 pounds initially, then step up to 160 pounds to face Shields.
“That’s not an issue. I’ve boxed big girls before in the past. I’m in this game to become a multi-weight world champion,” she stated.
According to ESPN reports from last week, promoter Ben Shalom discussed the possibility of the fighters agreeing to a two-bout contract, featuring one match in the United Kingdom and another in the United States.
“Location wise, I think she can see by my fan base and the country I’ve got behind me. It makes it exciting to box in Wales,” Price explained.
“Not just for myself, for her as well. Because with the fan base I got, and we sell out the stadium, then we’re both going to get a good payday afterwards as well.
“I’ve also said I’ll go to America. Let’s make it a double-header, let’s make it a trilogy, whatever.”
SEEKING FINANCIAL SUCCESS
Shields recently secured an $8 million multi-year agreement with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records in November, reportedly representing the most lucrative contract in women’s professional boxing history.
This development reflects the expanding popularity of women’s boxing, leading to increased financial backing and larger prize purses for top-tier athletes. The trend is exemplified by the highly publicized trilogy between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
“Obviously, there’s a way to go, but I do believe women’s boxing has come on massively. Fair play to Taylor and Serrano, they’ve had three fights, they’ve made a fortune. They’ve got the Netflix deal,” Price noted.
“That’s what I want to head towards, that’s my focus. I live the life of an athlete and I want to get my reward at the end. Boxing is my life.”
