Joe Gallagher has labelled Lauren Price (8-0, 2KO) disrespectful in the lead up to her unified welterweight world title fight this Friday against Natasha Jonas (16-2-1, 9KO).
The two British southpaws will headline an all-female card at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London with the winner capturing the IBF, IBO, WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine titles.
The pair were meant to be involved in a face off at the venue on Tuesday morning however Price decided not to attend the scheduled meeting opting to remain in Sheffield where she trains with Rob McCracken.
Joe Gallagher says Price is disrespectful
Speaking to Sky Sports following their open workout on Tuesday Gallagher stated; “We came down last night, Natasha was here today, she was off to do her head to head this morning but Lauren Price decided not to go she’s busy boiling weight in Sheffield.”
“I just think it’s a huge disrespect, a prestigious location everyone is down here for eleven o’clock today and Lauren Price has decided not to turn up she’s too busy making weight in Sheffield.” added the 56-year-old.
The Manchester born trainer believes that 2022 Olympic gold medalist Price has shown a level of arrogance due to not facing a tough test in her pro career to date.
“I just think its a huge disrespect, we were told half an hour before it, I think there’s an arrogance and disrespect to Natasha, Lauren goes on about being too young I think there’s a youthfulness and arrogance to her because its been all so easy for her up to now,” said Gallagher.
He added, “You’ve got to understand on fight week at a huge event like this, these are things that promoters ask you to do and it kicks off what we hope to be a good fight week.”
Price can be dropped and beat states Joe Gallagher
Despite being more untested in the pro ranks Price heads into Fridays main event as the favourite with many, that however is not a sentiment Gallagher is keen to share.
He feels that Price is being put on a pedestal of being unbeatable but believes that she has a track record of showing fragilities despite her obvious success in the ring.
“She’s been dropped as an amateur, she’s been given standing counts as an amateur, she’s lost to southpaws as an amateur, she’s been dropped as a pro,” said Gallagher.
Following questioning over the comment that Price had been dropped as a pro Gallagher stated “she’s been dropped many times sparring is what we’ve been told up in Sheffield.”
Price is currently unbeaten since turning pro with eight victories and has yet to drop a round according to the judges scorecards.
“They say she hasn’t lost a round but I think she’s lost a round in one of her fights, the judges didn’t give it against Mannes when it went eight or ten rounds,” said Gallagher.
He added, “You’re all portraying like this is someone who can’t be beat, everyone needs a check of reality, she can be beat, does be beat and hasn’t got a good record against southpaws.”
