Lauren Price has brushed aside Natasha Jonas’ comments downplaying her Olympic gold medal achievement.
World champion rivals Jonas and Price are set to clash for the IBF, WBC, and WBA welterweight world titles at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday.
Price secured an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2021 Games. However, Jonas suggested this accomplishment doesn’t reflect Price’s professional boxing capabilities.
‘When all the top competitors were gone,’ Jonas remarked about Price’s Olympic win.
‘You may have accolades on paper, but in the professional boxing arena, I’m not convinced she’s proven herself.’
While Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall had already turned professional by the time Price achieved her Olympic middleweight gold, Price still faced and defeated top-tier opponents to reach the Olympic podium in Tokyo.
During the Tokyo Olympics, Price defeated boxers like Atheyna Bylon (a World champion and Olympic silver medalist), Nouchka Fontijn (an Olympic silver medalist), and Qian Li (gold medalist at Paris 2024).
In response to Jonas’ criticism, Price stated, ‘She doesn’t understand what she’s talking about.’
Price, also a gold medalist at the World Championships, European Games, and Commonwealth Games as an amateur, added: ‘She’s only trying to provoke me with those words. It won’t work. It’s all she has.’
‘Reaching the Olympics and winning gold is incredibly challenging, from qualification onwards. So, she’s talking nonsense.’
Price acknowledged Jonas as an Olympian, saying, ‘I respect her. I respect anyone who steps into the ring. But considering my amateur background, the most decorated amateur from Great Britain, some people are bound to be envious.’
‘I ignore such comments and focus on my strengths and goals. She’s free to think whatever she wants.’
Price is confident in her ability to perform at her best against Jonas.
‘I thrive under pressure. Some boxers dislike it, but I love it. The training is demanding, but fight nights, winning, and having your hand raised are truly special,’ she explained.
‘I feel I haven’t been truly tested yet. I believe Tasha will push me to another level, honestly.’
‘But I am certain I have much more potential to demonstrate.’
She anticipates Friday’s fight will mark a significant step forward in her professional career.
‘This event will be historic. But facing an opponent like Jonas, with her reputation, elevates my profile both inside and outside the ring,’ Price noted.
‘I’m excited for it. I see this fight as a turning point in my career. And it’s a fight I expect to win decisively. I believe I’m simply too skilled.’
‘My legacy and achieving greatness are my goals, and this fight is a crucial step towards them. It’s a massive fight, a significant British boxing event.’
