Lauren Price hopes to channel her inner Calzaghe ahead of first world title shot
Lauren Price is just months away from her maiden opportunity to crown herself a world champion. The Welsh fighter will take on Jessica McCaskill on May 11 in Cardiff, competing for the WBA welterweight strap.
Price has the chance to become the first-ever female Welsh world champion. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of Welsh legend Joe Calzaghe, bringing pride back to Welsh boxing.
Speaking to Sky Sports, she looked back at her journey through the professional ranks.
“When I first turned professional, I turned as Olympic champion and everyone expected me to move fast. Six fights and when you look at those six fights I feel like I’ve enjoyed myself in there but I haven’t really been tested.
“I haven’t really got out of first gear. I’ve won every round quite comfortably so for me now it’s going to be my seventh professional fight but I want to be involved in these big fights.”
The 29-year-old has made it clear that she will not be looking past McCaskill, understanding that this will be her toughest fight to date.
“I’ve got complete respect for Jess McCaskill, she’s a legit champion. It’s not as if I’m going in there boxing for a vacant title. She’s been there, worn the t-shirt and I’ve got complete respect for that. I know it’s my toughest test to date but I believe in myself.”
Joe Calzaghe is one of the most famous figures in the history of Welsh sports and is someone the undefeated prospect looks up to, relaying that she hopes she can follow in his footsteps, putting Wales back on the boxing map.
“For me to follow in the footsteps of Joe Calzaghe, he’s a complete legend and that’s what I want to do, I want to become a Welsh legend. I want to bring big nights back to Wales and it’s a little bit of added pressure because you’re coming out in front of your own fans which is something I have yet to experience but I’ve had pressure my entire career.
“I’ve dealt with pressure and I’m sure I’ll come through with flying colours when I come out in front of my own fans and soaking it all up. I haven’t boxed at home in about 10 years so it’s going to mean the world to me.”
Price appears confident in her abilities ahead of the showdown, though it remains to be seen if she will join Joe Cordina, cementing herself as modern Welsh boxing royalty.