Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price headline the Jonas Price weigh-in Liverpool event, both successfully making weight ahead of their highly anticipated title fights on Saturday in Liverpool.
Jonas, 40, will defend her IBF belt against WBC champion Ivana Habazin, while WBA titleholder Price takes on Colombia’s Bexcy Mateus. Both fighters came in at the championship limit of 10st 6lb (146 pounds).
Potential Clash Between Jonas and Price?
While both British fighters face significant challenges this weekend, much of the talk leading up to the bouts has been about a potential showdown between Jonas and Price in 2025.
When asked about the possible fight at Friday’s weigh-in, Jonas remained reserved, saying, “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Price, however, was more forthcoming. “That’s a great British fight and what I’m calling for,” she said. “I know we’ve both got a job to do on Saturday night, but when I turned over as Olympic champion, I wanted those big fights. I’m world champion now. I want more belts. I want to create a legacy. I want to bring big-time boxing back to Cardiff and create greatness.”
Experienced Opponents Await
Price, 30, remains undefeated in her professional career, with seven wins since turning pro after claiming Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021. Her opponent, Mateus, also boasts a perfect 7-0 record, with six of her victories coming by knockout compared to Price’s single stoppage win.
Jonas (15-2-1), meanwhile, has cemented her legacy as a two-weight world champion, winning titles at light-middleweight and welterweight in the past three years. She aims to unify the welterweight division with a victory over the seasoned Habazin. The Croatian (23-5) has expressed frustration over the focus on Jonas potentially fighting Price and vows to upset the narrative in front of Jonas’ home crowd.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Habazin said. “If I was listening to what people were saying, I would have retired in 2020, but I am here.”
A Night of High Stakes in Liverpool
With both Jonas and Price aiming to secure victories on Saturday, fans are eager to see if the groundwork for a future clash between the two British champions will be laid. For now, both fighters must overcome their current challenges to keep their championship dreams alive.
For more on this story and updates, visit BBC Sport or check Eurasia Sports for additional coverage.
