Lauren Price to Defend Unified World Titles in Cardiff Homecoming
Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price returns to Cardiff on April 4 to defend her unified welterweight titles against unbeaten Puerto Rican star Stephanie Pineiro Aquino. After a year-long layoff, Price aims to cement her legacy on home soil in a high-stakes bout broadcast free-to-air on the BBC.
Lauren Price will end the longest layoff of her career this spring.
On Saturday, April 4, 2026, WBA Interim Welterweight Champion Stephanie Pineiro Aquino will challenge the division's lineal champion at the Utilitia Arena in Cardiff on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
“Lauren Price has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in British sport, and we are excited to showcase another landmark moment in her remarkable journey. The BBC is proud to continue its commitment to showcasing women’s boxing at the very highest level, and this is a huge moment both for Lauren and for the sport," BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski said. "Bringing a world title defence of this magnitude to a free-to-air, national audience on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer underlines our mission to make the very best boxing accessible to everyone.”
Price last set foot in the ring on March 7, 2025. The Olympic gold medalist dismantled former world champion Natasha Jonas en route to a unanimous decision victory. With only nine fights under her belt, Price had captured all four of the division's major world titles and appeared to be positioned for a blockbuster fight. However, potential fights against Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron have not materialized. Still, headlining a main event against a top contender on the BBC is a major opportunity for Price to showcase her skills to a wider audience.
“Defending my world titles at home in Wales means everything to me. I want to repay the support everyone has shown me with another great performance. I never turn down a challenge. Stephanie Pineiro Aquino is a dangerous fighter, but nothing is going to stop me from getting my hand raised on April 4 in Cardiff," Price said. "Yma o hyd.”
However, Pineiro Aquino, a tall, unbeaten challenge from the boxing hotbed of Puerto Rico, has no plans of just being another opponent to Price. The interim champion fully expects to pull off the upset in Wales and position herself for big fights in the years to come.
“I respect everything Lauren Price has achieved, but I have worked all my life for this moment, and I am ready to show I am the best in the world," she said. "Lauren may have the home fans on her side, but I have a country behind me, too. I am coming to take those belts back to Puerto Rico.”
