Welsh boxing sensation Lauren Price, renowned for her trailblazing success in the sport and her candour about life outside the ring, has spoken out about her journey to self-acceptance, her relationship with fiancée Carlie Jones, and the personal sacrifices she makes for her career. The 30-year-old, who recently added the WBC and IBF welterweight world titles to her accolades, says she’s finally in the best place of her life – both personally and professionally.
Reminiscing about the early days of her relationship with Carlie, Price describes a love story that unfolded in the most unexpected way. The pair were close friends for over a decade before a spontaneous kiss on a night out changed the dynamic between them. While Price had come out as a teenager, Jones’s journey was more gradual, shaped by her own concerns about societal perceptions. Over time, however, Jones found confidence enough to live openly with Price, and the couple are now planning to wed at Sant Ffraed House near Abergavenny next year.
Despite spending weeks apart as she trains in Sheffield, Price insists that the strength of their bond has only deepened. “I’ve found my person,” she confides, reflecting on how they navigated different backgrounds and lifestyles to build a supportive partnership. Their relationship, marked by pride and openness, stands as a testament to the power of authenticity, an approach that saw Price named top of Wales’ influential Pinc List celebrating LGBTQ+ trailblazers.
Throughout her career, Price has faced her share of prejudice, often in the form of online abuse targeting her identity and her role as a female boxer. She recounts receiving derogatory comments and outdated stereotypes, particularly from anonymous social media users. However, she finds solace in the unwavering support of her fiancée and her close circle, choosing to ignore negativity from those outside her home and training environment.
Growing up in Ystrad Mynach with her grandparents, Price credits their support for shaping her into the athlete and person she is today. She recalls being apprehensive about coming out to them, particularly to her grandfather Derek, who she feared might react badly due to his traditional outlook. Contrary to her worries, Derek’s acceptance and her grandmother’s eventual support helped solidify Price’s belief in the importance of living truthfully.
The sacrifices demanded by elite sport are felt keenly in Price’s day-to-day life. She describes the experience of training alone, travelling away from home, and adhering to a disciplined lifestyle that often excludes the simple pleasures most couples take for granted. “It’s a lonely life at times, and you have to be selfish to reach the top,” she admits, grateful for Jones’s understanding and resilience amid the pressures of Price’s rigorous schedule.
Looking back, Price is certain that leaving football, where she represented Wales at senior level, was the right decision for her. For Price, boxing’s individual nature means she alone controls her success and failure: “I prefer being responsible for myself – there are no excuses, and no one else to blame if things don’t go to plan.”
As for the future, Price hints that her competitive days aren’t done, with possible high-profile bouts – potentially against WBO champion Mikaela Mayer – on the horizon. Yet she’s also beginning to imagine a life after the applause fades, considering opening an academy to inspire aspiring athletes or perhaps starting a family with Carlie, though she admits that remains just a possibility for now.
The couple’s forthcoming wedding is a bright spot amidst the unrelenting focus on athletic achievement. For Price, the celebrations are an opportunity to cherish the love and support that have carried her through. Despite occasional negativity from the public, especially following their engagement, she remains grateful for her community, her family, and the growing acceptance in wider society.
Price’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience required, not only in elite sport but in the pursuit of living openly and truly. She hopes her journey will inspire others to embrace who they are and to prioritise happiness above all else – both in and out of the spotlight.