Natasha Jonas vs Lauren Price: British rivals to fight in world title unification at Royal Albert Hall on March 7
16 December 2024, 16:05 | Updated: 17 December 2024, 11:17
Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price will fight in a blockbuster all-British world title unification at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on Friday March 7.
The pair will headline a historic all-women's world championship event, entitled as Unstoppable, as the curtain-raiser to the International Women's Day 2025 global campaign the following day.
Jonas will enter as the WBC and IBF welterweight world champion after defeating Ivana Habazin at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre on Saturday.
Her victory followed Lauren Price's first world title defence as she knocked out Bexcy Mateus to remain WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine champion.
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The night had been billed as 'Collision Course' paving the way for a showdown between the winners of both fights, the two coming through their respective tests impressively to tee up a fascinating duel in 2025.
"It's an honour to be headlining this incredible all-women's event at such an iconic venue," said Price. "It shows how far women's boxing has come.
"Throughout my career, I have broken down barriers and achieved what people said I couldn't, and there is still a lot more to come.
"Lauren Price has a lot of hype around her but I believe this fight is going to be a step too far for her. I've been in big fights, I've fought world champions and Olympic medallists, but she's never faced anyone like me as a pro."
Both have asserted themselves as pioneers of women's boxing, Jonas the first ever British female fighter to compete at an Olympic Games at London 2012 and Price a gold medallist at Tokyo 2020.
"I'm excited to headline such a huge occasion," said Price. "I have a lot of respect for Natasha Jonas and what she has achieved in the sport, but she has the belts that I want.
"When I turned professional after becoming Olympic champion, I wanted to create greatness. This fight, a big all-British
unification clash, Wales vs England with five world titles on the line, will help cement my legacy and show that I am No 1 in the division.
"I believe I'm too young, too quick and too good for Natasha Jonas and I will be bringing the belts back home to Wales with me."
Jonas has been rampant since clinching his first world title with a knockout win over Chris Namus in February 2022, after which she went on to clinch three more titles over the next year before notching Habazin's belt at the weekend.
Price has meanwhile wasted no time in making her mark since stepping up from the amateur scene, out-classing Jessica McCaskill just seven fights into her professional career to become world champion in Cardiff back in May.
"This is a game-changing event on every level," said Boxxer CEO and promoter Ben Shalom. "At the very top of the show are two fantastic champions and role models, Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price, who have the chance to win it all in a massive unification fight.
"Fans will get to see many more of the world's best boxers competing in career-defining fights in one of the world's most iconic venues, the Royal Albert Hall.
"This will be a stand-out event for women's sport at the highest level and we are also proud to be working with International Women's Day 2025 to take positive action."
Jo Osborne, Head of Women's Sport, Sky Sports, added: "The Unstoppable event is another incredible milestone for women's boxing and sport as a whole. With champions like Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price headlining at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, it promises to be an unforgettable night of world-class action that we are proud to showcase to fans.
"We have been dedicated to investing in and elevating women's sport for three decades, with moments like this always fantastic to be a part of."
It awaits as another landmark night for women's boxing, following on from the first ever all-female card to be televised in the UK back in October 2022 when Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall headlined at The O2.
Glenda Slingsby, Partnerships Director, International Women's Day, said: "We believe the Unstoppable event provides an excellent opportunity to shine a light on women's equality in sport, celebrate women athletes, and highlight both gains and challenges for women's advancement.
"It presents a great collaboration with aligned aims as we mark International Women's Day on Saturday March 8 following the event."
Watch Natasha Jonas against Lauren Price in an all-British unification at the Royal Albert Hall, live on Sky Sports on Friday, March 7.
(c) Sky Sports 2024: Natasha Jonas vs Lauren Price: British rivals to fight in world title unification at Royal Albert Hall on March 7
