On a night of historic significance, Natasha Jonas was unable to turn back time as Lauren Price dominated their world welterweight title unification fight. Price, at the peak of her career at 30, overwhelmed the 40-year-old Jonas with speed, fluidity, and power, securing a decisive victory with scores of 98-93, 100-90, and 98-92.
Jonas, who once made history as the first woman to be named British boxing’s fighter of the year, faced an opponent in her prime. Price, an Olympic champion, showcased her composure and skill, leaving Jonas struggling to keep up.
The atmosphere was electric as the fighters made their way to the ring. Price walked in to the passionate sounds of Dafydd Iwan’s “Yma o Hyd,” while Jonas followed to the powerful beats of Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls).” Price was clad in black, contrasting with Jonas’s vibrant blue and gold trunks and white top.
From the opening rounds, Price’s speed and precision were evident. A powerful right hook in the second round left Jonas stumbling, and she quickly found herself under relentless attack. Price’s black gloves flashed with rapid combinations, keeping Jonas on the back foot throughout the contest. Even as Jonas attempted to mount a comeback, Price countered with devastating accuracy.
The fight took place in the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, a venue rich with boxing history. The circular tiers of seating provided an intimate yet grand setting, where legendary fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, and Frank Bruno once competed. Despite the historic occasion, the presence of ambulances outside served as a stark reminder of the sport’s inherent dangers.
The undercard featured notable performances, including Fran Hennessy’s dominant win over Gemma Ruegg. The crowd was equally divided between men and women, an encouraging sign for the future of the sport. Chloe Watson, trained by Ricky Hatton, lost her European flyweight title to Jasmina Zapotoczna in a controversial split decision, drawing boos from the crowd.
Karriss Artingstall secured the vacant British featherweight title with a decisive victory over Raven Chapman, dropping her opponent in the second round. The talent pool in women’s boxing remains shallow, but nights like these help draw new athletes to the sport.
Cindy Ngamba’s withdrawal due to medical concerns dampened the event, and concerns over Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on boxing continue to loom. While the Riyadh Season logo was visible on the ring, interest in women’s boxing from the region remains limited.
Caroline Dubois, widely regarded as one of Britain’s brightest prospects, demonstrated her potential against South Korea’s Bo Mi Re Shin. Dubois showcased dazzling speed and sharp power, controlling the fight until the final round when Shin launched a fierce assault. Despite a late scare, Dubois retained her WBC world lightweight title by majority decision, with two judges scoring it 98-93 and 98-92, while the third controversially called it a 95-95 draw.
The night belonged to Price, who now stands as the leading figure in British women’s boxing. Speaking after her victory, she expressed gratitude towards Jonas, acknowledging her contributions to the sport. Price also set her sights on becoming the undisputed welterweight champion, determined to leave a lasting legacy.
As Jonas exited the historic venue, she could reflect on a remarkable career. Though her time in the ring has ended, her role as a trailblazer continues. Having become the first woman in Britain to obtain a manager’s license in boxing, she is now nurturing a new generation of fighters. Despite the hardships of her final fight, Jonas’s influence on the sport remains undeniable.
