Lauren Price is due to fight twice more in 2025 having beaten Natasha Jonas in March Wales' unified world champion Lauren Price is back in camp preparing for a potential homecoming fight in August â and hopes Tom Jones will be there to sing her into the ring. Price will return to action for the first time since beating Natasha Jonas to add the WBC and IBF welterweight world titles to her WBA crown in March. The 30-year-old does not know yet who she will fight next, but says a meeting with WBO champion Mikaela Mayer is likely to happen late this year. For the moment, Price's focus is on a return to Cardiff â where she beat Jessica McCaskill to claim her first world title last May â and a link-up with Welsh pop icon Jones. "I hear he is in Wales in August so I have got my PR team on to him," Price told BBC Sport Wales. "I know they have spoken to his son so I am hoping [he will be there] to sing me out. "I love Tom. I have seen him a couple of times. He is a Welsh legend. To walk out to one of his songs would be a dream come true. I'd let him decide which one." Tom Jones famously sang the Welsh national anthem before Joe Calzaghe beat Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas in 2008 Price says it would be "great to come home and have my own fans behind me" following hereye-catching triumph over England's Jonasat London's Albert Hall, when she was booed during her ring-walk. The 2020 Olympic champion believes a meeting with American Mayer would be "a massive fight not just for women's boxing, but for world boxing in general". In the short-term, however, it seems Price's sights will be set elsewhere. "There are massive fights out there for me. I am kind of the one who has the belts now," she added. "There is one more to get - maybe that fight against Mayer won't happen next. "But whoever is there in front of me, I will be 100% prepared and I will be keeping those belts in Wales." Price's dominant triumph over Jonas came in just her ninth professional fight. Despite her successes to date, Wales' first female world champion expects her performance levels to improve. "For me, I never stop learning," Price said. "Each fight you have seen me stepping up, getting better and better and there is much more to come."
Price wants Tom Jones backing in homecoming fight
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lauren Price Prepares for August Homecoming Fight, Seeks Tom Jones' Support"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Lauren Price, the unified world champion from Wales, is gearing up for a homecoming fight scheduled for August 2025. Following her impressive victory over Natasha Jonas in March, where she added the WBC and IBF welterweight titles to her WBA crown, Price is excited about returning to Cardiff, the city where she first claimed her world title. Although the opponent for her next fight remains uncertain, there is speculation that she might face WBO champion Mikaela Mayer later this year. In the meantime, Price has expressed her desire to have Welsh music icon Tom Jones perform as she enters the ring, highlighting her admiration for him and the significance of having her home fans support her during this pivotal moment in her career. She has reached out to Jones's team, hoping to secure his presence for the event, which she describes as a dream come true.
As the first female world champion from Wales, Price is aware of the opportunities that lie ahead. She firmly believes that her upcoming fights could have a substantial impact not only on women's boxing but on the sport as a whole. Despite her rising success in the boxing world, she remains committed to continuous improvement, stating that she never stops learning and aims to enhance her performance with each bout. Price's recent victory over Jonas marked a significant milestone in her career, coming in just her ninth professional fight, and she is determined to maintain her championship titles in Wales. With numerous potential matchups on the horizon, Price is focused on being fully prepared for whoever stands in front of her, emphasizing her dedication to the sport and her home country.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Lauren Price's preparations for her upcoming fight capture the intersection of sports, celebrity culture, and national pride. Her aspirations to have Welsh icon Tom Jones perform at her homecoming event highlight how athletes often seek to connect their personal achievements with broader cultural references. This article not only focuses on Price's athletic career but also emphasizes her desire for community support and recognition.
Cultural Significance of Celebrity Endorsement
Price’s wish for Tom Jones to sing her into the ring reflects the importance of cultural symbols in sports. Having a beloved figure like Jones, known for his connection to Welsh identity, perform at her fight could enhance the emotional atmosphere and boost her local support. This connection is vital as it showcases the interplay between sports and national pride, which is a recurring theme in many sporting events.
Focus on Future Challenges
The article also touches on Price's ambitions in the boxing world, particularly a potential matchup with WBO champion Mikaela Mayer. This not only demonstrates her confidence as a reigning champion but also hints at the competitive landscape of women's boxing. By framing her upcoming fights in the context of significant challenges, Price positions herself not just as a local hero but as a key player in the global boxing scene.
Perception Management
The narrative crafted around Price is designed to evoke a sense of admiration and support from the public. By emphasizing her past victories and her connection to Welsh culture, the article aims to foster a positive perception of her as an athlete. This approach may serve to distract from any potential controversies or challenges she may face in the future, creating a more favorable image for her in the eyes of fans.
Potential Societal Impact
The excitement surrounding Price's upcoming fight and her connection to Jones could inspire a sense of unity among Welsh fans. Such narratives can influence local economic factors, such as increased ticket sales and merchandise, as the community rallies behind a popular athlete. Additionally, her success may encourage greater participation and interest in women's sports, which is crucial for fostering a more inclusive sporting environment.
Broader Implications in Sports Media
This article fits into a larger trend within sports media, where the personal lives and cultural ties of athletes are increasingly highlighted. This strategy not only bolsters engagement among fans but also aligns with a growing demand for narratives that resonate on a cultural level. The portrayal of Price through the lens of celebrity culture and national pride reflects an evolving media landscape that seeks to connect sports with broader societal themes.
The reliability of this article is high, as it presents factual information regarding Price's career and her aspirations, supported by quotes. However, the emphasis on emotional appeal and cultural connections may suggest a slight bias towards promoting her image positively.