The boxing world often thrives on “what ifs” and “someday” matchups, but every so often, the stars align with a delightful, almost preordained precision. Such is the current trajectory in the women`s welterweight division, where two formidable champions, Lauren Price and Mikaela Mayer, appear to be on an inevitable collision course. The prize? The coveted, unified, undisputed welterweight crown – a title that promises not just belts, but a lasting legacy.
Mayer`s Momentum: A Statement of Intent
Fresh off a decisive victory, Mikaela Mayer (21-2, 5 KOs) has not just retained her WBO welterweight title, but she has also cemented her position as a dominant force. Her recent rematch against Sandy Ryan was more than just a win; it was a declaration. With a clear nod to her ambition, Mayer, in her post-fight interview, left no room for ambiguity: “It`s time for me to move on and go for undisputed, which is Lauren Price.”
This isn`t merely a polite suggestion; it`s a gauntlet thrown. Mayer`s journey has been marked by consistency and a relentless pursuit of the sport`s highest honors, including unifying the super-featherweight division in 2021. Now, with the welterweight division squarely in her sights, her focus is sharp, and her target singular.
Price`s Power Play: A Champion`s Welcome
On the other side of the Atlantic, Lauren Price (9-0, 2 KOs) has been equally busy consolidating her own reign. The Welsh star has had a meteoric rise, culminating in a career-defining performance against Natasha Jonas. This victory saw Price add the WBC and IBF titles to the WBA strap she had previously claimed, establishing her as the de facto queen of the division, holding three of the four major belts.
Price, ever the strategic combatant, had already signaled her intentions, stating her desire to face the winner of the Mayer-Ryan bout. Her recent comments merely reiterated what was already clear: “I said after I beat Jonas I wanted the winner of Mayer and Sandy. I watched the fight – great fight. I thought Mayer won very well and what a fight to make. I`m up for it 100%.” A champion, it seems, always knows where the biggest challenges lie.
The Inevitable Clash: More Than Just Belts
The prospect of Price vs. Mayer isn`t just another boxing match; it`s a unification spectacle that transcends mere competition. This is a clash of styles, of unbeaten (Price) and battle-tested (Mayer) wills, and of two athletes at the pinnacle of their craft. It`s the kind of fight that defines an era and electrifies a sport.
For Lauren Price, victory would be truly historic. She would join the elite company of Chantelle Cameron (super lightweight) and Savannah Marshall (super middleweight) as only the third British woman to achieve undisputed glory in the four-belt era. Beyond national pride, she would also etch her name alongside boxing legends Cecilia Brækhus and Jessica McCaskill as only the third female welterweight to hold all four major titles simultaneously. The stakes, to put it mildly, could not be higher.
A Defining Moment for Women`s Boxing
The enthusiasm from both camps for this matchup underscores the health and ambition within women`s professional boxing. No longer are champions content with just one belt; the drive for complete unification is palpable. This pursuit of undisputed status elevates the sport, providing fans with the most compelling matchups and athletes with the clearest paths to legendary status.
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates official negotiations, one thing is abundantly clear: when Lauren Price and Mikaela Mayer finally meet, it will be more than just a fight. It will be a testament to skill, determination, and the relentless pursuit of ultimate supremacy in the squared circle. Get ready for a welterweight whirlwind.
