

It’s ‘Collision Course’ the day after tomorrow! This Saturday, December 12, Liverpool will host an electrifying night of boxing. In front of a hometown crowd, champion Natasha Jonas will defend her title against Croatian challenger and WBC champion Ivana Habazin. The title unification event promises an action-packed lineup of fights designed to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. In addition to the Jonas-Habazin headline match, the evening will also feature a compelling welterweight bout, with WBA champion Lauren Price defending her titles against Bexcy Mateus.
The outcomes of the main and co-main events carry significant weight, potentially setting the stage for an undisputed clash in the future. On May 11, Lauren Price secured the WBA, Ring, and IBO titles with a technical victory over former undisputed champion Jessica McCaskill. Meanwhile, Bexcy Mateus enters the ring following two impressive victories this year. Let’s break down the matchup between Price and Mateus ahead of their much-anticipated bout at the Exhibition Center.
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Lauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus: Height and Reach Comparison: The Battle of Range
Born on June 25, 1994, in Newport, Wales, Lauren Price appears slightly older than her Colombian opponent, Bexcy Mateus. Unfortunately, Mateus’ physical statistics, such as height and reach, remain unavailable. While information about her reach is equally scarce, Price nevertheless boasts a height of 5 feet 5.5 inches, or 166 centimeters.
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While the official weigh-ins are pending, prior data may provide some useful insight. Lauren Price weighed in at approximately 145.5 pounds for her fight against McCaskill. Bexcy Mateus, on the other hand, tipped the scales at 140 pounds when she faced Haidde Zapa last September.
Mateus is a relatively new face in professional boxing, debuting in 2022. Despite her limited experience, she remains undefeated across seven fights, boasting an impressive knockout-to-win ratio of nearly 86%, indicating her penchant for early stoppages. Similarly, Price also turned professional in 2022 and remains unbeaten after seven outings. However, only one of her wins came via knockout, giving her a modest 14% knockout rate.
Lauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus: Who Comes Out on Top?
It seems Lauren Price is the clear favorite among oddsmakers. Currently, she is stepping into the ring as a -2500 favorite, heavily favored against the +1400 underdog, Bexcy Mateus. Price’s pedigree, experience, and activity level perhaps contribute to her status as the favorite.
A gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Price transitioned into professional boxing following a decorated amateur career marked by numerous national and international accolades. She has maintained an active schedule, fighting twice annually since her professional debut. Her upcoming bout against Mateus will mark her second fight this year.
Champion vs undefeated challenger!
Lauren Price defends her welterweight world titles on 14 December against Bexcy Mateus 👀
Both fighters boast a perfect 7-0 record 🥊#BBCBoxing pic.twitter.com/WtPJN0GlX0
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 22, 2024
Mateus has also kept a busy schedule, fighting four times in 2023. This year, after defeating Katerin Tobon in July, she faced Paulina Cordona three months later. However, all of Mateus’ bouts have taken place in her home country of Colombia, making the Liverpool event her first appearance on a global stage. This change in setting may work to Price’s advantage, given her familiarity with high-profile events.
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Style Assessment
Lauren Price’s technical finesse sets her apart. A southpaw with a strong amateur background, she excels in controlling the pace of a fight with precise jabs and straight lefts. Price’s ability to adapt and engage at close quarters was evident in her victory over McCaskill. While not a heavy hitter, her accuracy and ring intelligence compensate for her lower knockout rate.
Bexcy Mateus, by contrast, leans on her power and aggression. A review of her recent fights reveals a preference for inside fighting. She uses her jab to pressure opponents into corners before unleashing combinations to the body and head. Her high knockout rate suggests she will aim for an early stoppage. But will this approach yield dividends when tested against the technical wizardry of Lauren Price?
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For Lauren Price, this fight is pivotal in her quest to follow in the footsteps of fellow Welsh native, boxing legend Joe Calzaghe. A victory could position her for a potential undisputed showdown against the winner of the Jonas-Habazin showdown. For Mateus, an upset win over a fighter of Price’s caliber could catapult her career to new heights.
Do you believe Bexcy Mateus has the tools to stage an upset against the technically skilled Lauren Price? Or will Price’s precision and experience secure another victory? Let us know your thoughts!
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