Lauren Price has claimed Natasha Jonas did not want to fight her this March at London's Royal Albert Hall, but adds she is still training for the best version of her opponent.
The Tokyo 2020 champion will put her WBA welterweight title up for grabs in a unification bout against the veteran star, who brings her IBF and WBC belts to the table too.
Jonas, who turned away from retirement in 2024, is still looking to wrap her professional career with a string of impressive performances, including a rematch with Katie Taylor.
But Price has now suggested the star did not want to take the challenge against her as a younger contender and rising star, promising to bring her A-game to the contest.
"Natasha didn’t want this fight," she told Betfred. "It’s not been easy to make. It’s been hard work and not on my end, but I’m glad it’s here and I don’t buy into any of that.
"They know what they’re going into. I’m training for the best Natasha Jonas and they’ll be doing the same thing. They’ll want a good camp and I wish her the best. I think I’m the best in all areas."
Price's upcoming fight marks her second straight bout outside her home country of Wales, having previously fought Bexcy Mateus in Liverpool.
The star has fought only once on home soil, against Jessica McCaskill in Cardiff, but stresses that she will return to hang her hat with the belts in tow for her next bout.
"Not if, when I win, I’ll 100% go back to Wales for my next fight," she added.
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