Price Increase . . . Lauren Wants Claressa Shields Showdown More Than Ever

The Welsh fighter retained her WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight belts with a convincing points victory over Stephanie Pineiro, but the dominant scorecards only told part of the story. 

Price was left badly bloodied by a mouth injury midway through the contest, turning the bout into a gritty test of resilience.

Despite the damage, Price never lost control, delivering a composed and disciplined performance to extend her unbeaten professional record to 10 fights. Judges scored the bout 98-92, 98-92 and 99-91 in her favour.

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

Yet even before the blood had dried, her focus had already shifted to what could be the defining fights of her career — a potential two-bout series with Shields, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in women’s boxing.

“I fully respect Shields. I think she’s the best in the game and to be the best you have to beat the best,” said Price after overcoming Pineiro.

“Full credit to her for what she’s done her in her career, but I honestly believe in myself. I’m just getting better and better.

“I’m in this game for the biggest fights and I want to be a multi-weight world champion.

“What a great honour it would be to share the ring with Shields, and not just for one fight.

“I said to her ‘I’ll go to America and you come to Wales’ and she shook on it.”

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

The pair came face-to-face in the ring after the fight, fuelling speculation that a deal could soon be finalised, potentially at middleweight — the division where Price claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Before that, however, Price had to navigate a dangerous challenge from Pineiro, who entered the fight unbeaten and determined to close the gap on the champion. The Puerto Rican grew in confidence after Price’s injury, but was unable to match the Welsh fighter’s skill and ring intelligence.

Price admitted she always expected a stern examination after more than a year out of the ring.

“I knew it was going to be tough, I’ve been out of the ring for a year and it was a mandatory defence as well.

“She’s probably second best in the division well and a tough girl.

“But I showed another level in there in toughness in front of the home fans.

“Another level of maturity. Stay calm, stick to my boxing, and get through.”

The bout marked Price’s return to fighting on home soil following her rise to world champion status, having previously claimed the belts with victory over Jessica McCaskill before successfully defending them against Natasha Jonas.

Her latest outing may not have been as straightforward, but it underlined her growing maturity and ability to adapt under pressure — qualities that will be essential if she is to take on Shields.

Promoter Ben Shalom believes the fight is a natural next step.

“Lauren’s that good a fighter that a lot of fighters don’t fancy it.

“Shields is the biggest name in the sport. She recognises that Lauren is coming into her prime at 31 and wants legacy fights.

“Hopefully one in the stadium here in Cardiff because she’s probably too big for this arena now.”

There was also a lighter moment for Price after the fight, despite the visible damage she had taken. With her wedding to partner Carlie Jones approaching, she joked about the impact of her injuries.

“I think it looks a lot worse than it is if I’m honest.

“It’s a little cut in my mouth, but (trainer) Rob McCracken kept me calm and collected.

“Hopefully my partner’s still going to marry me in May.”

While recovery will be her immediate priority, Price’s ambitions are clear. With momentum building and a super-fight looming, her determination to face Shields signals a bold next chapter — one that could elevate her from unified champion to all-time great.