Lauren Price sets up possible unification with Natasha Jonas with stoppage win

Lauren Price secured a unification clash against the winner of Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin with a third-round stoppage victory over Bexcy Mateus. 

Price, now 8-0 (2 KOs), put in a spiteful performance and pressed the action against Mateus (7-1, 6 KOs), dropping her in every round before the finish came in the third.

“With speed comes power, right? I enjoyed myself tonight,” said Price post-fight.

“I’m still learning but I believe I’m the best at 147. We’ve got a big main event tonight and I want the winner. Obviously [I want to fight Jonas], I want to bring big-time boxing back to Wales. I respect Tash and that will be a big fight in British boxing.”

Price started the contest on the back foot, taking a look at the heavy-handed Mateus before deciding to commit at the end of the first. She sprung in with a looping left hand that saw Mateus crash to the canvas. Mateus rose to her feet, seemingly confused as to what had happened but she saw out the remainder of the round.

Price started the second confidently knowing she had the power to hurt Mateus, and it wasn’t long before the Colombian was on her back again after yet another sharp left hand. She again climbed to her feet but was hurt once more before the session closed.

The end of the contest seemed near and early into the third, it came. Price had little respect for Mateus’ power and pressed forward. She again nailed Mateus with a straight left that pushed her back into the ropes and delivered another before referee Steve Gray could save the wilting Colombian. The time of the stoppage came at 1:42 of Round 3.