Lauren Price Returns to Boxing Ring After 13-Month Hiatus in Cardiff
Lauren Price steps back into the ring on Saturday night in Cardiff for the first time in almost 13 months, defending her IBF and WBC welterweight titles against Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino. The Olympic champion from Tokyo 2021 has faced a year of frustration and inertia, highlighting the messy politics of boxing that have kept her inactive.
Frustration and Boxing Politics
Price's last fight was a dominant performance against Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall in March last year, which should have launched her into more prestigious bouts. However, the intervening months have been marked by delays and complications. "Oh, 100%," Price says when asked if her absence reflects boxing's enduring mess. "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 over three-and-a-half years ago, Price has had only nine fights, with her seventh bout against Jessica McCaskill in May 2024 earning her a world title. "It's especially hard in women's boxing," she explains, noting that finding decent opposition is challenging due to small pools of fighters and financial demands.
Promotional Challenges and Trainer Support
Price's situation was further complicated by her promoters, Boxxer, losing their contract with Sky last June, leading to financial troubles. Trapped in limbo, she relied on her trainer, Rob McCracken, for guidance. "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."
She rarely deals directly with Boxxer founder Ben Shalom, instead working through matchmakers. "I've got three fights left but I've said to them I'm the kind of person that, if they back me and do a good job, I'll spend my whole career with them," Price says. "But, like Rob says, you need to know your worth and the main thing is building me up in Wales. I want to win as much money as I can, build a legacy for boxing in Wales and get out safe."
Upcoming Fight and Future Prospects
Price faces Piñeiro Aquino at the Cardiff Arena, with the bout airing on BBC Two, which she believes will boost her appeal to a wider audience. "It's great. 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."
Looking ahead, Price hints at a potential future fight with Claressa Shields, the top female fighter in the world. "Without me saying yes," she smiles, "I think you're on the right page." Talks are ongoing for a bout at 160 pounds or higher, with Price confident in her skills. "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."
Personal Life and Wedding Plans
Amid her professional challenges, Price is planning her wedding to Carla, her partner since school days. "After the Jonas fight last year, on 7 March, I popped the question and Carla and I got engaged on 19 April in Wales," she shares. The wedding is set for 30 May in Abergavenny, with around 110 guests. "It's not massive – just nice."
Price also reflects on her upbringing by her adoptive grandparents, expressing gratitude for their love and support. "My nan is such a soft soul and I'm also so grateful she's still in my life." Her biological parents are not part of her life, with her mother in a mental institution.
With 2026 shaping up to be a defining year, Price is optimistic. "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 4 April and climb the ladder from there. I'm just happy the fight's happening."
