Jonas vs Habazin: Lauren Price stops Bexcy Mateus in three rounds to retain world title
Wales’ Lauren Price successfully defended her WBA welterweight world title with a devastating stoppage of Bexcy Mateus in Liverpool on Saturday.
The 30-year-old knocked down his Colombian opponent with left hands three times in the third round before the referee stopped the fight.
The contest was largely a mismatch, with Price outclassing her opponent to extend her unbeaten streak to eight matches in her first defense of the world title.
“With speed comes power and I enjoyed it out there tonight,” Price told Sky Sports.
“I want to make a little statement and I hope to have a strong race next year.
“Thanks to my opponent, I don’t know much about her but I know she has a great record. I had a great training camp and I’m ecstatic.”
Price, who also holds the Ring title, will look to take the next step in unifying the division if rival Natasha Jonas can pass her test against Croatian Ivana Habazin.
The Welsh boxer was featured on the undercard in Liverpool against IBF welterweight champion and rival Jonas and she gave a shout-out to her domestic rival after her victory.
“It will be a great race for Britain and when I become an Olympic champion I want to compete on a massive scale,” she said.
“This is one hell of a fight for British fans and the boxing community in general.”
Price became world champion in his seventh professional boxing fight The first female boxing world champion from Wales.
The victory continues Price’s remarkable sporting career, which has included four senior world kickboxing titles, multiple European gold medals and international football for Wales.
