Lauren Price Returns to the Ring After 13-Month Absence
Lauren Price, the IBF and WBC welterweight champion, steps back into the boxing ring on Saturday night in Cardiff for the first time in almost 13 months. Her return marks the end of a frustrating period dominated by boxing politics and promotional issues that have stalled her career progression.
Frustration and Inertia in Women's Boxing
Price's absence from the ring offers a stark insight into the enduring mess of boxing politics. "Oh, 100%," Price confirms when asked if her situation reflects broader industry problems. "People on the outside don't understand but sometimes it comes down to your promoter, if they want to put you on, if the money's right, if the contracts are in place and legal issues are sorted out. There are a lot of things in the background."
Since turning professional more than three-and-a-half years ago, Price has had just nine fights. She didn't lose a single round in her first eight contests and nearly completed a shutout against Natasha Jonas in her last fight. Yet finding decent opposition has proven difficult, particularly in women's boxing where the pool of fighters is smaller.
Promotional Turmoil and Contract Complications
Price's situation was complicated when her promoters, Boxxer, were not offered a new contract by Sky when their four-year deal expired last June. Boxxer and founder Ben Shalom faced serious financial trouble as they tried to salvage the company's future. Trapped in limbo, Price relied on trainer Rob McCracken, who has guided her since her amateur days.
"The whole year was very frustrating," Price admits. "I was in the gym in Sheffield, just ticking over. Everything was out of my control in terms of contracts and Rob said we can't really rush into anything. I listened because I trust Rob and he always looks after me."
Price currently has three fights remaining on her contract with Boxxer but emphasizes her loyalty to those who support her career. "I'm the kind of person that, if they back me and do a good job, I'll spend my whole career with them. I'm not one of these people who wants to move madly. But, like Rob says, you need to know your worth."
Cardiff Arena Showdown and BBC Broadcast
Price faces Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino at the Cardiff Arena, which can hold just over 7,000 spectators. The Puerto Rican challenger brings a 10-0 record built entirely in her home country against local rivals. "I think she's quite dangerous," Price assesses. "It looks like she is a toe-to-toe swinger. She's big, tall, game and tough – but nothing I haven't faced before."
A significant development for Price is that Boxxer's promotions are now being screened by the BBC, with Saturday's world title bout airing on BBC Two. "It's great," Price says. "The BBC have done a lot with me over the years, through the Olympics, and the older generation, who might not have Sky, can see me on a mainstream channel."
Future Ambitions and Claressa Shields Showdown
Price hints at a potential career-defining fight against Claressa Shields, the brash and brilliant American currently considered the best female fighter in the world. "Without me saying yes," Price suggests with a smile, "I think you're on the right page."
Despite being separated by 27 pounds (Shields currently fights at heavyweight while Price competes at welterweight), both fighters are keen to face each other. "There have been talks about a fight at 160 and obviously I said yes," Price reveals. "There are lots of conversations to have but they will happen sooner rather than later."
Price expresses confidence about facing Shields: "I'd love to fight against her because she's a great athlete, a fantastic boxer, but also one I'm confident I can derail. I have the skills to do that and the story is great as well. She's a double Olympic champion and I'm an Olympic champion at the same weight."
Personal Life and Upcoming Wedding
Beyond boxing, Price has personal milestones approaching. She became engaged to her partner Carla on April 19 last year, and the couple plans to marry on May 30 in Abergavenny, just half an hour from their home. "We'll have around 110 people in the day and a few more at night," Price shares. "It's not massive – just nice."
Price also reflects on her challenging upbringing, having been raised by her adoptive grandparents after her alcoholic parents gave her up as a baby. "Nan is doing OK but of course she'll be nervous all week," Price says of her grandmother. "She won't watch the fight on TV, because she finds it too hard, so she'll wait for a call from my auntie and then she'll be able to have her cup of tea and a KitKat to celebrate."
Looking Ahead to a Defining Year
After the frustration of the past 13 months, 2026 could be a defining year for Price both personally and professionally. "I believe that," she says. "It's going to be a busy year and let's get the ball rolling with a good win on April 4 and climb the ladder from there. I'm just happy the fight's happening. You know how hard it is when there's no date. But now, with the wedding and maybe three fights this year, it's so much better."
Price's immediate focus remains on Saturday's fight in Cardiff, where she aims to defend her titles and begin what she hopes will be a transformative period in her boxing career.
