‘I always come out shining’ – Jonas says pressure is on Price

Natasha Jonas is embracing her underdog tag as she prepares to face rival welterweight champion Lauren Price at the Royal Albert Hall in March.

Price, 30, holds the WBA title while England’s Jonas is the WBC and IBF world champion.

The Welsh fighter is favourite to win in London on 7 March against Jonas, but the 40-year-old is not fazed by predictions.

“The pressure’s not on me. Lauren’s the champion who’s never lost a round. The Olympic gold medallist,” Jonas said.

“There is a lot of pressure on her to come and do what she says she can do. Being underdog suits me. I’ve been here before. It’s not something that’s new. I always come out shining. “

The two rivals met at a news conference at London’s Dorchester hotel for the first time since their fight was announced following their successful world title defences in December.

Responding to Jonas’ comments about pressure, Price says she is used to expectation as an Olympic champion.

“Take age out of it, I know I am better in all areas,” Price said.

“I will admit Tasha is my toughest test, but I believe she will bring another level of my game out and I rise again. “

Price has won all eight of her pro fights, but has 11 fewer bouts than her experienced opponent.

Nicknamed ‘Miss GB’, Jonas was the first female boxer to represent Great Britain at an Olympic Games when she did so in 2012.

Jonas has won five different world titles in two weight divisions in the last three years, with an overall record of 16 wins, two losses and one draw.

Price is yet to see a round scored against her in the professional ranks.

“I love being the first,” Jonas said of the potential to end Price’s unbeaten record.

“The first is something that nobody can take away. I’ve been here before and you’ve got to be careful what you wish for. “

Jonas against Price will be held on International Women’s Day and the undercard will be made up entirely of female boxers.