By Gareth James
Lauren Price outclassed Silvia Bortot to remain on course for a world title shot in 2024.
Wales’ Tokyo Olympic gold medallist took command from the opening round to win comfortably on points in Bournemouth on Sunday night.
Lauren Price dominated the fight, winning all eight rounds on the scorecard 🥊#BBCBoxing
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) December 10, 2023
The southpaw reeled off quick jabs, catching the Italian as she beat Bortot to the punch.
“I am happy with my performance,” Price said. “She was a tough girl but I feel I upped my game tonight, stood there and traded and got some body shots off.
“I think I am improving all the time. I thought I controlled the fight.”
LAUREN PRICE WINS! 🔥
Every round on the referee's scorecard 💪#BillamSmithMasternak pic.twitter.com/YCc1zTMfOq
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 10, 2023
Price is targeting the victor in the January 20 Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer IBF welterweight world title fight.
“I have had my little run out, as you call it. I believe I can beat Natasha Jonas or Mikaela Mayer, whoever is the winner,” Price declared.
“Even though I’m respectful and I’m laidback I do want these big fights. That’s why I turned professional.
“I believe the girls who have got the world titles at welterweight at the minute – I can beat them.
“I want to be the best and that’s something I’ve carried throughout my whole career, no matter what sport I’ve done.
“Whether it was playing football internationally, being a kickboxer or my dream of going to the Olympics at eight years of age and achieving that Olympic gold medal.
“As a professional now, I want to win world titles at multiple weights as well and create greatness and be a legend.”
Lauren Price wins on UD against Silvia Bortot,Scores 80-72 #PriceBortot #LaurenPrice #Boxxer pic.twitter.com/ukjkSW1RyT
— Håkan Johansson (@h_hkan) December 10, 2023
Promoter Ben Shalom says the Olympic champion can be Welsh boxing’s next major star.
“We feel we’ve got a real chance to create a national icon,” he said.
“The aim next year will to be to bring her back to Cardiff and start to build something that has not been seen before in Wales possibly since the Joe Calzaghe days.”
Price has won all six of her fights – all of which have taken place outside Wales – since turning professional in 2022.
She continued that record against Italy’s Bortot, who she fought on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith’s WBO title defence against Poland’s Mateusz Masternak.
Lauren Price hasn't lost a round yet
Like to see her vs Dee Allen next for the European title. pic.twitter.com/kV4WhPWuhA
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) December 10, 2023