Lauren Price Overcomes Injury to Defeat Stephanie Piñeiro
World welterweight champion Lauren Price managed to secure a unanimous victory over Stephanie Piñeiro, despite suffering a severe mouth injury that left her bleeding throughout the match. This win positions Price for a potential showdown against Claressa Shields, a prominent figure in women’s boxing.
The 31-year-old Price (10-0, 2 KOs) battled through a gruesome cut from a clash of heads that caused significant bleeding, though she still achieved a unanimous decision with scores of 98-92, 98-92, and 99-91. The assessment appeared somewhat harsh towards Piñeiro, who persistently pressed forward looking for openings.
Price, an Olympic gold medal winner from 2021, successfully defended her WBC, WBA, and IBF belts against Piñeiro (10-1, 3 KOs). However, the injuries complicated her third title defense at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff.
“I experienced a head clash which injured my lip, but I persevered. It was a valuable experience, and I have a fantastic team that supported me through it,” Price expressed to the BBC. She acknowledged the challenge posed by Piñeiro and emphasized her focus on skillful boxing.
After the fight, Price confronted Shields (18-0, 3 KOs), the undisputed women’s champion, who expressed willingness to meet Price at 160 pounds. “I’m eager for this fight and don’t want to wait indefinitely,” Price stated, highlighting her desire to compete against top-tier opponents.
The fight with Shields could see Price moving up two weight classes, as Shields holds titles across five weight divisions. “If she’s the best, I’m ready to show what I can do,” Shields responded, indicating interest in a matchup that could become a landmark event in women’s boxing.
As the match unfolded, Price showcased her speed and footwork despite her injuries, while Piñeiro sought to capitalize on opportunities. Although Price had her moments, bleeding from a cut and a bruised lip, she managed to maintain control throughout the bout, ensuring her status as a champion while eyeing a bright future.
