Unified welterweight champion Lauren Price is preparing to defend her championship belts against Czech contender Michaela Kotaskova in Cardiff later this autumn. The upcoming bout is scheduled for Friday, November 20, at the Utilita Arena.
The 32-year-old Welsh southpaw returns to the same venue where she successfully defended her IBF, WBA, and WBC titles earlier this year against mandatory challenger Stephanie Pineiro Aquino. Price expressed immense enthusiasm about performing in front of her home supporters once again, emphasizing the electric atmosphere generated by Welsh crowds.
The champion acknowledged that her upcoming opponent possesses significant world-level experience and presents a formidable challenge. However, the former Olympic gold medalist remains confident in her standing as the premier welterweight in the sport and aims to deliver a memorable spectacle for the audience.
Challenging her for the belts is 34-year-old Michaela Kotaskova, who currently holds the WBF title. The Czech contender has built an impressive 15-fight professional record with only a single defeat on her resume. That lone loss occurred earlier in the year when she moved up in weight to face unified world champion Chantelle Cameron for a super-welterweight championship.
Dropping back down to her natural weight division at welterweight, Kotaskova remains undefeated in this category and views this contest as a defining moment in her career. Despite acknowledging that she will enter hostile territory surrounded by the champion's supporters, Kotaskova stated that the partisan atmosphere will merely serve as added motivation to capture the titles.
Promoter Ben Shalom praised the Welsh athlete's status within British boxing and highlighted the significance of staging major championship events in Wales. Shalom noted that while the challenger represents a genuine test, the champion maintains grand ambitions and must continue delivering dominant performances to cement her legacy in the sport.
The event will be broadcast live and free-to-air across the United Kingdom on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Graham Davies, managing editor for Sport at BBC Cymru Wales, emphasized the significance of bringing world-class boxing to a broad audience, praising the champion's remarkable progression from amateur Olympic success to the pinnacle of the professional ranks.
The supporting card features several notable matchups for boxing fans attending the arena or watching from home. Welsh featherweight Rhys Edwards is scheduled to square off against Scotland's Lee McGregor, a former British, Commonwealth, and European titleholder, with the WBA continental championship on the line.
Additionally, undefeated local middleweight Kyran Jones will attempt to maintain his flawless professional record when he steps into the ring against Liverpool competitor Sean Arkwright. Organizers anticipate another vibrant atmosphere at the venue as the nation's premier fighters showcase their skills on a major televised platform.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
