BOXING: 'Why should we wait?' - Price eyes legacy bout with Shields

Welterweight world champion Lauren Price is confident there is no reason to delay a blockbuster showdown with American boxing star Claressa Shields. The Welsh fighter, fresh off her victory over Stephanie Pineiro to retain her WBC, WBA, and IBF titles in Cardiff, has made it clear that she is in her prime and eager to make history.

After her dominant win earlier this month, Price shared a tense moment in the ring with the undisputed heavyweight champion Shields, sparking speculation about a potential clash between the two.

For Price, taking on the biggest names in boxing has been a goal ever since she became an Olympic gold medalist at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

"I want to be involved in the biggest fights, to create a legacy. I'm in my prime. She's in her prime. We're at a similar age. So why should we wait? Why should I wait until the end of my career?" the 31-year-old told Reuters.

Price, who has made a name for herself with impressive victories, added: "If I'm here now and feeling good, I'm like, 'yeah, let's make the fight.' I'll fight anyone. I think it's a great fight. Our accolades speak for themselves. I’ve got an Olympic gold medal. She’s got two. She’s a great, great fighter, and I would love to share the ring with her. It’s the biggest fight out there."

WEIGHT 'NOT AN ISSUE'

Despite the difference in weight between the two, with Shields coming in at 174 pounds for her February win over Franchon Crews-Dezurn, and Price weighing just over 146 pounds for her bout with Pineiro, Price insists weight won’t be a problem.

"I plan to fight at 154 pounds, then go up to 160 to face Shields," said Price. "That's not an issue. I’ve boxed bigger girls before in the past. I’m in this game to become a multi-weight world champion."

The fight between Price and Shields is gaining momentum, with discussions pointing towards a two-fight deal, one in the United Kingdom and the other in the U.S., according to promoter Ben Shalom. Price sees the potential for a massive event, particularly in her home country, where her fan base continues to grow.

"I think she can see the support I have here in Wales," said Price. "It makes it exciting to box in Wales. Not just for myself, for her as well. If we sell out the stadium, we're both going to get a good payday afterwards."

But Price isn’t just looking to fight in the UK—she’s also open to taking the action across the Atlantic. "I've also said I’ll go to America. Let’s make it a double-header, let's make it a trilogy, whatever."

'I WANT MY REWARD'

Shields signed an $8 million, multi-year contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records in November, believed to be the richest deal in women’s boxing. This deal is part of the increasing financial opportunities in the sport, as women’s boxing has seen a surge in popularity and investment.

Price has her eyes set on the same kind of success. “Obviously, there’s a way to go, but I do believe women’s boxing has come on massively,” she said. “Fair play to Taylor and Serrano, they’ve had three fights, they’ve made a fortune. They’ve got the Netflix deal. That’s what I want to head towards, that’s my focus. I live the life of an athlete and I want to get my reward at the end. Boxing is my life.”

With both fighters in their prime, a showdown between Price and Shields could be one of the biggest matches in women’s boxing. Fans are eagerly awaiting the confirmation of the fight, which promises to be a historic and thrilling spectacle.

-Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters