Exclusive: Top Promoter Ben Shalom Says Lauren Price Has a 'Chip on Her Shoulder'

Ben Shalom admits Lauren Price has a “chip on her shoulder” ahead of this week’s unified world title fight against Natasha Jonas despite being the bookmakers’ favourite to prevail in what he describes as “the biggest” all-British female clash of all time.

The reigning WBA welterweight champion, Price faces her domestic rival, who holds the WBC and IBF belts, at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday in what promises to be a pivotal bout for both women. 

From south Wales, Price was awarded the MBE after winning an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo five years ago and has yet to lose a round, never mind a contest, since turning professional. 

Despite those achievements, it is Jonas who competes under the moniker ‘Miss GB’ after becoming the first female boxer from these shores to compete at the games nearly a decade and a half ago. 

Now aged 40, the Liverpudlian will enter the ring as a two-weight world champion having also dominated the light middleweight division before stepping down to 147lbs.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Shalom, whose company Boxxer is promoting the event, said: “I think Natasha is looking at Lauren and thinking, Who are you? What have you done to deserve this fight?"

"Lauren is looking at her thinking ‘I’m better than you’ and she’ll have a chip on her shoulder because of that."

“Natasha will believe Lauren has never fought at her level and that’s going to be the difference."

"She’ll be thinking Lauren doesn’t have her experience, that she’s way ahead in terms of that, and that she doesn’t understand what it takes on occasions like this."

“Lauren, on the other hand, believes she has the edge in terms of her age, ability and athleticism. They both respect each other but they both believe they are in front of the other.”

CONFIDENT OF VICTORY

Shalom added: “Lauren will be convinced she’s going to come through because of her attributes."

"Natasha will feel exactly the same way - convinced her own qualities and that experience she’s got are going to make the difference."

“That’s what makes this so intriguing, so fascinating. They are both certain that they’ve got the beating of the other and that they're going to do it."

“Lauren, on her part, is definitely looking at Natasha and thinking ‘This is my time now.’ It’s going to be massively important for both.”

Aged 30 and 10 years Jonas’ junior, Price (8-0) wrestled the WBA, IBO and The Ring magazine crowns away from Jessica McCaskill in May. Twelve months earlier, she defeated Kirstie Bavington for the inaugural British female welterweight strap in only her fourth paid outing.

Jonas (16-2-1) has built a stellar resume, facing the likes of Katie Taylor, Terri Harper, Mikaela Meyer and Ivana Habazin. She registered points decisions over the latter two last year, although Meyer disputed the outcome and demanded a rematch despite acknowledging her contract did not contain such a clause.

Given Jonas’ age, losing to Price could shunt her into retirement. On Price’s part, a loss would stall the stellar progress she has made following her success in the Far East.

“It’s a crossroads fight,” Shalom acknowledged. 

“This could actually be the biggest British female fight of all time.”