Lauren Price, the reigning Olympic middleweight champion, stands poised to etch her name into the annals of Welsh boxing history. This Saturday, she’ll face American Jessica McCaskill in a title fight not just for personal glory, but for a chance to join the pantheon of Welsh boxing legends.
Price’s journey to this pivotal moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. An athlete of diverse talents, her childhood dream trifecta consisted of becoming a kickboxing world champion, playing international football for Wales, and competing at the Olympics. Remarkably, she’s achieved all three. Excelling in kickboxing, where she secured four world titles, Price eventually gravitated towards boxing, a natural fit according to her GB Boxing performance director, Rob McCracken.
Her dedication and raw talent shone through. McCracken recalls Price’s relentless work ethic, contrasting with her fellow Welsh boxer Kyren Jones, who described their contrasting routines – the Welsh squad working all week and recovering on weekends, while Price pushed herself even further. This unwavering commitment propelled her to the international stage, representing Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games before joining Team GB.
The 2012 Olympics ignited a fire in Price. Witnessing Katie Taylor’s golden run likely fueled her own Olympic aspirations. Years later, she mirrored Taylor’s feat, clinching the coveted middleweight gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Now, with an undefeated record in her young professional career (six wins, all by decision), Price craves a world title to solidify her legacy.
This weekend’s fight against McCaskill, the WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine welterweight champion, presents a monumental challenge. It’s a significant step up in competition, a fact Price readily acknowledges. Yet, she remains undeterred, viewing it as a stepping stone towards a future brimming with possibilities.
“I believe this fight is the start of something special,” Price declared, brimming with confidence. Her ambition extends far beyond this single bout. She envisions a Welsh legacy akin to Katie Taylor’s in Ireland, with passionate fans cheering her on to even greater heights – undisputed and multi-weight world champion.
For Wales, a nation steeped in boxing tradition, Price’s success represents a golden opportunity. A victory on Saturday would not only crown her a world champion but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring boxers across the country. Her triumph could spark a new generation, eager to emulate her dedication and fighting spirit.
The stage is set for Lauren Price. On Saturday night, she steps into the ring not just as a boxer, but as a potential symbol of Welsh boxing greatness. With victory, her name will be forever etched alongside the legends who paved the way. The boxing world awaits with anticipation, eager to see if Price has what it takes to join the pantheon of Welsh greats.
