Lauren Price secured a hard-fought victory in Cardiff, retaining her world welterweight titles, but the bloody encounter has left her hoping her wedding plans for next month remain on track.
Price decisively defeated Stephanie Pineiro over 10 pulsating rounds, with judges scoring the contest 98-92 and 99-91, ensuring the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts stayed in Wales.
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However, Price sustained a significant cut to her mouth from the fifth round, leaving her visibly bloodied and prompting nervous glances among her fans.
Despite the injury, she hopes partner Carlie Jones will still marry her on May 30. Price attended a brief post-fight press conference before heading to a nearby hospital for a check-up.
Lauren Price kept hold of her three world title belts after a unanimous points victory over Stephanie Pineiro (Nick Potts/PA)
“I think it looks a lot worse than it is if I’m honest,” said Price, 31, after taking her unblemished professional record to double figures.
“It’s a little cut in my mouth, but (trainer) Rob McCracken kept me calm and collected.
“Hopefully my partner’s still going to marry me in May.”
Although the cuts and bruises might not have disappeared before her hen night next Saturday, Price will venture out in Cardiff still on top of the world after producing another measured display in difficult circumstances.
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Pineiro was emboldened by Price’s blood-splattered face and vest, but the Puerto Rican was unable to bridge the gap in class as her own unbeaten record fell.
Price said: “I knew it was going to be tough, I’ve been out of the ring for a year and it was a mandatory defence as well.
“She’s probably second best in the division well and a tough girl.
“But I showed another level in there in toughness in front of the home fans.
“Another level of maturity. Stay calm, stick to my boxing, and get through.”
Lauren Price (left) goes on the attack against Stephanie Pineiro (Nick Potts/PA)
Four-weight world champion Claressa Shields was ringside in Cardiff, and Price is targeting a two-fight deal with the American with talks already under way between the respective camps.
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The pair faced off in the ring after and a match could be made at middleweight – the division at which Price won Olympic gold in Tokyo five years ago.
Price said: “I fully respect Shields. I think she’s the best in the game and to be the best you have to beat the best.
“Full credit to her for what she’s done her in her career, but I honestly believe in myself. I’m just getting better and better.
“I’m in this game for the biggest fights and I want to be a multi-weight world champion.
Lauren Price (right) poses with American Claressa Shields and hopes to arrange a two-fight deal with the four-weight world champion (Nick Potts/PA)
“What a great honour it would be to share the ring with Shields, and not just for one fight.
“I said to her ‘I’ll go to America and you come to Wales’ and she shook on it.”
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Price’s Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said: “Lauren’s that good a fighter that a lot of fighters don’t fancy it.
“Shields is the biggest name in the sport. She recognises that Lauren is coming into her prime at 31 and wants legacy fights.
“Hopefully one in the stadium here in Cardiff because she’s probably too big for this arena now.”
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