Lauren Price defends WBA welterweight title in style against Bexcy Mateus

Lauren Price made an emphatic first defence of the WBA welterweight title after stopping Colombian Bexcy Mateus at Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

A one-sided contest ended in round three as Ystrad Mynach boxer Price showcased her enviable punching power by flooring her opponent, and the referee called a halt to proceedings.

Mateus hit the canvas in all three rounds as Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Price proved on a different level to her opponent.

Lauren Price defends WBA welterweight title in style against Bexcy Mateus (Image: Peter Byrne/PA)

“I enjoyed myself in there tonight,” Price told Sky Sports. “I knew she had a good record, but I’ve had a great camp and on we move.

“Fight by fight I keep learning, keep developing. I’ve still got so much more to come.

“You have seen tonight now, I’m not just all about speed. I can bang as well, so happy days!”

Headliner Natasha Jonas then became a two-weight unified champion to set up a British showdown next year.

The 40-year-old IBF champion added the WBC title by beating Ivana Habazin over 10 rounds.

Jonas and Price are likely to clash in London in March and the fighters traded verbal blows in the ring in Liverpool.

"I know she doesn't want to fight me, but she doesn't have another choice in the next one," said Price.

"Each fight I've stepped up - went in with Jessica McCaskill, she was supposed to be the best in the division and I didn't drop a round.

"Full respect for Tash but I'm in my prime, too quick, too fit and I believe I win. She probably will be my toughest test, I just think I'm better."