Women’s boxing will enjoy another milestone in March when it takes centre stage at the Royal Albert Hall with Natasha Jonas finally taking on Lauren Price after much anticipation
March 7 is another milestone for women’s boxing, a first all-female bill at the Royal Albert Hall topped by Natasha Jonas versus Lauren Price, and all going ahead on the eve of International Women’s Day 2025.
Not only is it a significant moment in the career of both it is the best female card since the first all-girl cast three years ago when Clarissa Shields met Savannah Marshall, which remains the most watched women’s sports event on Sky.
The welterweight unification bout is a passing of the baton moment with veteran WBC and IBF champion Jonas finally taking on Welsh phenomenon Price, holder of the WBA and IBO belts.
The pair have seemingly been arrowing towards each other since Price won Olympic gold in Japan. Price, a brilliant footballer too, is a sporting prodigy. Jonas has got better with age.
Women’s boxing couldn’t have better ambassadors and there is some serious firepower on the undercard, including Olympic bronze medallist Karriss Artingstall and our own Caroline Dubois in the second defence of her WBC lightweight crown.
After last week’s technical draw against Jessica Kamara, Dubois is looking forward to a more rewarding night. It is frankly ridiculous that she should have a draw on her card after a one-sided pummelling. Dubois dropped her in the first and beat her up in the second. It was relentless. Right at the bell their heads clashed and Kamara sustained a cut.
Instead of the getting the win it is ruled a draw because four rounds had not elapsed. There was no way she was going to go past four rounds. She would not have got through the third, yet she has a draw against Dubois on her record. It just doesn’t seem fair.
At least Dubois proved how great she is for her sport. Women’s boxing needs it stars, and she is explosive. Our other female world champion, Ellie Scotney defends her IBF and WBO super-bantamweight titles against undefeated Kiwi Mea Motu at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to boost her reputation as she looks to leave her own stamp on the sport. Scotney is a superb little fighter, and works so hard to get seen in a busy world of sport. She is smart, funny and super talented.
Motu is tough and experienced having clocked up twice as many bouts Down Under. This is her first outing in Europe, and only the second outside the Antipodes. Scotney knows how important nights like this are for her career and can’t wait to step out under the lights and prove how good she is.
Follow Barry on X at @ClonesCyclone @mcguigan’s_Gym
