The final weigh-in between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price was disrupted by drama on Thursday when trainer Joe Gallagher voiced concerns about the scales. This happened just before their world title unification fight at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday.
Gallagher was heard asking to see the calibration certificate for the scales moments before Jonas and Price stepped on stage. He suggested that fighters had been weighing in lighter than expected.
Price, the WBA welterweight champion, weighed in at 10st 5lbs as she aims to keep her undefeated professional record. Jonas, who holds the WBC and IBF belts, was 10st 6lbs 5oz.
Gallagher stated, “We have this prestigious event, a unification fight with world champions, and you’d expect calibrated scales for accurate weights. These scales are not calibrated. The sticker says they were calibrated on January 9th, but it’s now March.”
He continued, “Scales for boxing should be set up and calibrated right here, right now, and not moved. Once they’re moved, they’re no longer calibrated. The sticker is from January 9th.”
“Everyone who weighed in felt they were light. I’m just protecting Natasha. I heard Price was struggling with weight, so I thought, ‘Okay, they’re light.’ Someone told me Natasha was 10st 6.5lbs, but she weighed in with clothes on. If she stripped down, she’d be 10st 5lbs.”
“We have this huge, prestigious event, and we can’t get proper calibrated scales. They made weight, but the scales aren’t calibrated. People might say I’m causing trouble again, but this is world title level.”
Following the weigh-in, Boxxer released a statement dismissing the scale concerns.
“The scales were calibrated, and the British Boxing Board of Control is satisfied that everything is correct,” the statement read.
Promoter Ben Shalom also told Sky Sports, “I think Joe believes they were half a pound too light.”
“Ultimately, Lauren came in lighter than Natasha, so it doesn’t really change much. I think Joe is protecting his fighter before a huge night tomorrow and a high-pressure fight for both. The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of trainers as fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head-to-head. It’s fascinating.”
Price seemed unfazed by the questions and suggested Gallagher was trying to steal the spotlight.
“There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs. Price,” said Price.
“I’m staying cool, calm, and collected. I’m just looking forward to showing how good I am.”
“I make weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, and it’s my natural weight. This will be a great fight. I respect Tash, and I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time, and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”
Price has an 8-0 professional record after a third-round knockout win over Bexcy Mateus in December. Jonas is 16-2-1 after a unanimous decision victory against Ivana Habazin on the same card in Liverpool.
Price has consistently claimed she is too young and quick for Jonas, while Jonas has emphasized her superior experience.
Gallagher’s presence has created a tense atmosphere in the final days before the fight. He alluded to Price struggling to make weight and rumors of her being dropped in sparring. Was this a final attempt to increase pressure?
Sky Sports Boxing’s Johnny Nelson commented, “This was Joe’s last chance to try and rattle Natasha’s opponent. He knows what he’s doing, he’s no fool, he’s old school.”
Caroline Dubois weighed in at 9st 7.5lbs ahead of her WBC world title defense against Bo Mi Re Shin, who weighed 9st 7lbs. Dubois remained confident.
“I think all the talking is done,” said Dubois. “These are my belts, and this is as close as she’ll get to them.”
“I feel like a champ, I’ve always been a champ, but the belts make it official. Nothing Bo can do will stop me, I’m coming for her head tomorrow.”
“I saw my brother (Daniel Dubois) on top of the world, the next big thing, then he lost to (Joe) Joyce, and those people disappeared. I understand how harsh and cruel boxing can be. I won’t let success get to my head or failure get to my heart.”
Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman both weighed in at 8st 12lbs 5oz for their British featherweight title fight.
“Raven is another opponent I need to get past on Friday to reach my goals,” said Artingstall.
“We know each other well, we sparred years ago on the GB setup. We won’t change much, maybe some tweaks, but if I fight my best, I believe I’ll win.”
Watch Natasha Jonas fight Lauren Price at the Royal Albert Hall live on Sky Sports on Friday, March 7th.
