Before the recent fight, Lauren Price, an Olympic gold medalist, was expected to dominate the ring as she returned after a year-long absence. Fans and analysts alike anticipated a showcase of her skills against Stephanie Pineiro, but the reality turned out to be a grueling contest that tested Price’s mettle.

On April 4, 2026, in Cardiff, Price faced Pineiro in a bout that would ultimately see her retain her WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight world titles. The judges scored the fight 98-92, 98-92, and 99-91 in favor of Price, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Price endured cuts to her mouth and right eye, a testament to the fierce competition she faced.

This fight marked a pivotal moment for Price, who improved her professional record to 10-0. It was her first experience of fighting through adversity, a challenge that could have easily overwhelmed a less seasoned fighter. “I think it looks a lot worse than it is if I’m honest,” Price remarked, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Price’s trainer, Rob McCracken, and promoter, Ben Shalom, have both expressed confidence in her abilities. Shalom noted, “Lauren’s that good a fighter that a lot of fighters don’t fancy it,” highlighting the respect she commands in the sport.

In the aftermath of the fight, Price’s thoughts turned to her personal life as well. With a wedding planned for May 30, she joked, “Hopefully my partner’s still going to marry me in May!” This light-hearted comment revealed a glimpse of her personality beyond the ring, even as she navigated the physical toll of the match.

Looking ahead, Price expressed her ambition to become a multi-weight world champion, with discussions already underway for a future match against Claressa Shields, who was present at the fight. Shields, known for her prowess in the ring, holds four world titles and represents a significant challenge for Price.

As Price continues to build her legacy in boxing, she is also eyeing a potential match with WBO champion Mikaela Mayer. The path forward is filled with promise and uncertainty, but one thing is clear: Lauren Price is ready to face whatever comes next.

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Jade Jones, the renowned double Olympic taekwondo champion, made a significant entrance into the boxing world on March 7, 2026, in Derby, England, where she achieved a second-round knockout victory against Egypt Criss.

In her debut match, Jones demonstrated her striking prowess, needing only two rounds to secure the win. The bout ended with a series of three successive left hooks that left Criss unable to continue, marking a successful transition for Jones from her two-decade-long taekwondo career.

Jones, who is now 32 years old, has been preparing for this moment for the past 12 months. Her journey into boxing follows a challenging period in her life, particularly after her disappointing exits in the first rounds of the 2021 and 2024 Olympics.

Having won gold medals in taekwondo at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, Jones’s switch to boxing has been both a personal and professional reinvention. She trained under former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at 4 Corners Gym in Liverpool, honing her skills for this new challenge.

Egypt Criss, the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, faced a formidable opponent in Jones, who expressed her excitement about the fight and the support from her hometown.

Reflecting on her transition, Jones stated, “I was a bit lost. I thought I could be the greatest of all time and win a third Olympic gold and for it to just go up in flames… it was a hard time.” This sentiment underscores the emotional journey she has undergone as she shifts her focus to boxing.

Jones also shared her appreciation for the local community, saying, “It’s lovely to see my small town getting really excited again. I didn’t realise how much of an impact it has on people; it gives them a purpose and I can feel them buzzing.”

As she embarks on this new chapter, Jones aims to become a world champion in both taekwondo and boxing, showcasing her versatility and determination in the sporting arena.

With her debut now behind her, the boxing community will be watching closely to see how Jones continues to develop in this new sport. Her journey serves as an inspiration for many, illustrating the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding her next steps in the boxing world, but Jones’s inaugural performance has certainly set a high bar for her future endeavors.

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