Lauren Price Defends Titles in Thrilling Match
In a thrilling clash held in Cardiff, Wales, Lauren Price showcased her skills by battling through a grueling match against undefeated Puerto Rican contender Stephanie Pineiro, successfully defending her WBC, IBF, and WBO welterweight titles on Saturday. The match was marked by intense exchanges and physical confrontations, with Price’s speed allowing her to dictate much of the action.
Despite sustaining a blow to her mouth that caused visible bleeding, she managed to maintain control, even easing off in the final round, which ultimately led to a unanimous decision in her favor. This victory bolstered Price’s professional record to an unblemished 10 wins, while Pineiro suffered her first loss, bringing her record to 10-1.
Adversity and Homecoming
The bout was not without its moments of adversity for Price; despite landing powerful right hooks that left Pineiro with a swollen left eye, Pineiro retaliated by cutting Price’s lip early in the fifth round, which resulted in blood marking Price’s attire throughout the fight. This event was particularly special for Price, as it was her first match in front of a home crowd in nearly two years, following her last home fight prior in March 2025 against Natasha Jonas where she claimed additional titles.
Future Matchups and Aspirations
Among the audience was Claressa Shields, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, who has been in discussions with Price’s management regarding a potential matchup later this year in the middleweight division.
“Today was a tough fight for Lauren, and credit to Stephanie for her efforts,”
Shields remarked to the BBC post-fight.
“It’s clear both fighters gave their all, and we could see a showdown at the end of this year.”
In response to the fight’s challenges, Price expressed her eagerness to face strong opponents, emphasizing her commitment to pursuing high-stakes matchups for the future.
