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Ystrad Mynach’s Lauren Price has been praised in the Senedd after becoming Wales’ first-ever female boxing world champion.
Price, 29, defeated USA’s Jessica McCaskill at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on Saturday May 11.
The only Welsh fighter to win Olympic gold as an amateur, Price becomes a world champion less than two years after her first pro fight in 2022 – and in only her seventh bout.
Speaking in the Senedd on Wednesday May 15, South Wales East MS Delyth Jewell said “congratulations are due” for Price.
Ms Jewell, who is also from Ystrad Mynach and represents the South Wales East region, said: “Lauren has created history by becoming the first Welsh woman to do this.
“After winning the world title, she dedicated it to her grandmother, Linda, and her late grandfather, Derek, who recognised and nurtured her sporting talent from a young age.
“They raised her from when she was three days old and she has paid tribute to the love and support they gave her.
“The community in Ystrad Mynach have shown their support too, by welcoming her back last Sunday in style.”
Ms Jewell continued: “Lauren has managed to fit a lot into her 29 years, from playing international football for Wales, representing her nation at the Commonwealth Games and, of course, winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games.
“She always shows her pride in being a woman from Wales.”
Ms Jewell quoted comments made by Price in an interview with Caerphilly Observer: “Being Welsh, we’re a small country but when it comes to supporting our own we’re a very proud nation.”
Ms Jewell added: “What an important message for other young people in Wales to hear. So, congratulations, Lauren, from all of us at the Senedd. I’m sure the best for you is still to come.”
Fellow Plaid Cymru MS Peredur Owen Griffiths, who also represents South Wales East, has tabled a statement of opinion in the Senedd.
The statement, which is similar to an early day motion in Westminster, will not be debated nor voted on in the Senedd chamber, but MSs can add their name in support.
The statement:
- Congratulates Ystrad Mynach’s Lauren Price after she won the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine welterweight titles.
- Acknowledges that Lauren has created history by becoming the first Welsh woman to become a world champion professional boxer.
- Notes that following on from sporting success in international football and world class kickboxing – as well as winning a gold medal in Olympic boxing – Lauren is a superb role model due to her dedication, talent and attitude.
- Calls on Lauren to be included in the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The statement has been signed by 13 MSs, including Ms Jewell, Caerphilly’s Labour MS Hefin David, and Conservative MS for South Wales East, Natasha Asghar.
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