Jonas vs Habazin: Lauren Price stops Bexcy Mateus in three rounds to retain world title

Wales’ Lauren Price successfully defended her WBA welterweight world title by stopping Bexcy Mateus in devastating fashion on Saturday in Liverpool.

The 30-year-old dropped her Colombian opponent three times, all by her left hand, before the referee stopped the contest in the third round.

The fight was in large a mismatch, as Price outclassed her opponent to extend her undefeated record to eight fights in her first defence of her world title.

“With speed comes power, I enjoyed myself in there tonight,” Price told Sky Sports.

“I wanted to make a bit of a statement, I want big fights next year.

“Credit to my opponent, I didn’t know much about her but I knew she had a good record. I’ve had a great camp and I’m over the moon.”

Price also holds the Ring Magazine title and will look to unify the division next if rival Natasha Jonas can come through her test with Croatia’s Ivana Habazin.

The Welsh boxer featured on the undercard of IBF welterweight champion and rival Jonas in Liverpool and she called out her domestic rival after the victory.

“It will be a great British fight, when I turned over as Olympic champion I wanted to be involved in massive fights,” she said.

“It’s one hell of a fight for British fans and boxing in general.”

In just her seventh professional fight, Price picked up a world title to become the first ever female boxing world champion from Wales.

The win continues Price’s remarkable sporting career which includes four senior world kickboxing titles, as well as a host of European gold medals, and representing Wales in football at international level.