Lauren Price Expects a Fight Without Hitches . . . Before She Gets Hitched

She may have a wedding fast approaching just weeks later, there may be talk of future fights against brash-talking American Claressa Shields or Irish legend Katie Taylor, but Price insists her mind is purely on the task in hand.

The unbeaten Welsh star will put her WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight belts on the line against Stephanie Pineiro Aquino on Saturday, returning to fight in front of a home crowd for the first time since her stand-out victory over Natasha Jonas. 

But with her marriage to partner Carlie Jones set for May 30, Price admits life outside boxing has become a careful balancing act.

"Carlie phones me up and says things like, "I don't want to pester you, but what about getting this mirror?," says Price.

"But I can't get too involved with the wedding now. She knows I've got a job to do and I will be able to sort things out afterwards.

"It's going to be a mad few weeks. I've got my home hen [party] in Cardiff on April 11 and I'm turning up for that as world champion.

"But I don't think about all the belts being on the line. I don't put pressure on myself, I just see it as another fight that I've got to win."

Price’s calm mindset reflects the maturity she has developed since transitioning from an exceptional amateur career — highlighted by Olympic gold in Tokyo — into the professional ranks, where she has quickly built a flawless 9-0 record.

Her opponent, Aquino, brings an equally unbeaten record into the contest and arrives as the WBA interim champion and mandatory challenger. 

Known for her toughness and physical presence, the Puerto Rican represents a serious test despite having never fought outside her homeland as a professional.

READ MORE: Lauren Price Eyes Massive Next Fight in Wales . . . With Cardiff City As Hosts

“She’s obviously a great fighter,” Price said. 

“She’s obviously dangerous. She’s game, she's tough, she’s big. She’s obviously done a bit as an amateur as well. 

“She’d never boxed outside of Puerto Rico [as a pro], but at the end of the day, I know she’s going to come and she’s going to throw the kitchen sink at me. 

“But I’ve been in there with every style. I’ve boxed at the highest levels, so I’m kind of focused on myself and I believe I get the job done.”

The Puerto Rican is four years older than Price, who has been inactive since comfortably outpointing Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall just over a year ago.

The bout also marks Price’s return after more than a year out of the ring, a period of inactivity caused largely by promotional changes beyond her control.

Despite the lay-off, her ambitions remain as sharp as ever. Price is targeting an active year, with plans to fight at least three times as she builds toward the marquee clashes that could define her career.

"I want to have three fights this year because I am building towards a mega-fight.

"I had a chance to go to the Albert Hall again, but for me it's about big nights in Wales and climbing the ladder towards that stadium fight.

"I played football at Cardiff City Stadium for Wales and I would love to fight there one day."

Victory over Aquino would move her a step closer to that vision — and potentially set up a showdown with WBO champion Mikaela Mayer to unify all four major belts.

Even bigger opportunities could lie beyond that, including a high-profile clash with Shields or a dream fight against Irish legend Taylor.

“It’s an exciting time and I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’ve just got to keep winning and just keep doing what I’m doing and then big fights are going to happen and they’ll come.”

While a bout with Taylor may be unlikely given the Irish star’s plans to retire later this year, Price’s admiration is clear — and her long-term ambitions are shaped by the legacy Taylor has created.

"I'd love to go over to Ireland and share a ring with her," Price said. 
"She's done so much for the sport.

"Can I see it happening? Probably not. But I've got so much respect for her that it would be a great fight to make at whatever weight."