Lauren Price Makes History in Birmingham
It took time, in truth, far too much time, but we got there in the end. Lauren Price, with a performance to match the occasion, became the first ever female to be crowned a British champion in Birmingham on Saturday night.
The Olympic gold medallist said she would be a level above her opponent Kirstie Bavington. And so it proved. Price boxed with real authority, a southpaw jab that thudded home with increasing regularity, a straight left that repeatedly rocked the ever-advancing Bavington on her heels, Price was a cut above her brave opponent. Make no mistake, this was a seriously impressive display.
All three judges scored it 100-90 for Price to be crowned the inaugural British welterweight champion. No observer could seriously have seen it any other way.
Bavington never stopped trying, only in the 10th and final round did we see any evidence of her declining ambition. But from the opening seconds, she must have realised it wouldn’t be her night. But even in the one-sided nature of her defeat, Bavington deserves immense credit for the effort she put in. She will have better nights.
Price said she had her best training camp yet. And it showed. It was by far the best performance of her career. Price will only go further. It will be interesting to see how many times she will get to defend her British title. She is clearly a fighter destined for world honours. And on this performance, it will take an extremely good fighter to beat her.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer
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