Jonas vs Price: How women’s boxing can become centre stage in UK

The iconic Royal Albert Hall has hosted pugilism for over a century, welcomed key political figures and showcased musical superstars.

On Friday evening, a women’s bout headlined the regal venue for the first time. About 4,000 fans witnessed Lauren Price dominate trailblazer Natasha Jonas in the main event of an all-female card.

In the chief support, Caroline Dubois outpointed Bo Mi Re Shin in an entertaining battle. The self-assured world champion has the potential to make waves – in the ring and commercially – for years to come.

Karen Artingsall became British champion by beating Raven Chapman in a featherweight contest that shows a gradual deepening of the depth of women’s boxing, which has historically been lacking.

On the surface, the event – a day before International Women’s Day – was a success and provides a launchpad for women’s boxing in Britain to progress.

But we have been here before.

Former world champion Hannah Rankin feels women’s boxing failed to capitalise on the momentum created by Savannah Marshall v Claressa Shields in October 2022, when an all-women card packed out the O2 Arena.

“There was a real opportunity there but when big-time boxing moved to Saudi Arabia, it slowed down the progression and whole trajectory of women’s boxing,” she says.

Saudi Arabia continues to host high-profile men’s bouts as women’s boxing has generally been overlooked.

The trilogy between Irishwoman Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in New York, which will be broadcast on Netflix in June, will help grow the sport globally, but what can be done to make the female sphere take centre stage in the United Kingdom?