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Gallagher criticises Price for missing event
Natasha Jones (left) celebrates victory against Marie-Eve Dicaire in the IBF, WBC and WBO super welter-weight bout at the Manchester Arena, November 12, 2022

NATASHA JONAS’S coach Joe Gallagher felt Lauren Price was “bang out of order” for failing to attend a media obligation ahead of tomorrow’s unified welterweight clash at the Royal Albert Hall.

Wales’ Price cited a miscommunication with broadcaster Sky as the reason behind her missing Tuesday’s face-off.

Gallagher’s comments, made in today’s press conference, were the first signs of tension between the two camps in what has been a respectful build-up since the bout’s announcement in January.

“You’ve been assigned to be somewhere for 11am for a head-to-head – whether it’s Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk it’s just standard for fight week,” Gallagher said.

“To come downstairs and do a check weight at 10.30am and to be told Lauren’s not here for the photo shoot, I thought it showed a bit of disrespect.

“Everyone got the schedule this week and I think it’s bang out of order and disrespectful from Lauren and the team.”

WBA champion Price was in Sheffield, where she trains with coach Rob McCracken, on Tuesday morning.

She eventually turned up to the capital to attend a public workout in the afternoon, but denies any wrongdoing against WBC and IBF holder Jonas.

“We actually had a phone call with Sky and I was told we didn’t need to be in London at 11am on Tuesday,” Price said.

“It’s a cross communication. All I’ve done is be respectful in this fight. I’m not disrespectful, so take it how you want to take it.”

Olympic gold medallist Price is a decade younger than 40-year-old Jonas, and said: “I’m too quick, too good, too young. I believe in myself and I’ll be getting my hand raised on Friday night.”

Liverpool’s Jonas said: “I think I have experience, accuracy, timing, but I think she’ll bring the best version of her and I’m prepared for that. I’ll bring the best version of me – I’m the best woman.”

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