Lauren Price Returns to Cardiff to Defend Unified World Titles Against Michaela Kotaskova
Lauren Price will return to Cardiff on November 20 to defend her unified world welterweight titles against Michaela Kotaskova, with BOXXER bringing the championship contest to the Utilita Arena live and free to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
The homecoming gives Price another opportunity to perform in front of Welsh supporters, where some of the most significant moments of her professional career have already taken place. The Olympic champion made history in May 2024 when she defeated Jessica McCaskill in Cardiff to become Wales’ first female boxing world champion.
Price added the IBF and WBC world titles to her collection in March 2025, defeating Natasha Jonas at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She then returned to Cardiff in April 2026 and successfully defended her championships against mandatory challenger Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino, winning a unanimous decision after a demanding contest. World Boxing Council+2
The 10-0 champion, who has two professional knockouts, will now face a challenger with a clear ambition to end her unbeaten run. Kotaskova arrives with a record of 12 wins, one defeat and two draws, with four victories inside the distance. World Boxing Council+1
The Czech fighter’s only professional defeat came against Chantelle Cameron in April, when she challenged for the vacant WBO super welterweight title. Kotaskova lost on points, but the contest gave her valuable experience against a former undisputed world champion.
She returned to the ring in June and recorded a unanimous decision victory over Ester Konecna. Kotaskova now moves back to welterweight, where she has yet to suffer a defeat, and will attempt to turn that record into a first world championship success. World Boxing Association+1
For Price, the challenge is about more than simply retaining her titles. She has established herself as one of the leading names in women’s boxing, but the Welsh champion has made it clear that she wants the biggest fights available and intends to continue building her legacy.
Price has also spoken openly about the importance of fighting in Wales. Her victory over McCaskill in Cardiff was a landmark moment for Welsh boxing, and another successful defence in front of her home crowd would add to an already significant career.
Kotaskova, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to make the biggest statement of her professional career. She knows she will be entering a hostile arena, but believes her experience and unbeaten record at welterweight give her a genuine chance of upsetting the champion.
The undercard also features an important domestic contest as Rhys Edwards faces Lee McGregor for the WBA Continental Featherweight Title.
Edwards, from Penygraig, will meet the experienced Scottish fighter McGregor in a Home Nations clash that adds further interest to the Cardiff bill. McGregor has previously held British, Commonwealth and European honours, making this a significant opportunity for Edwards to strengthen his position in the division.
Cardiff middleweight Kyran Jones is also scheduled to face Liverpool’s Sean Arkwright, adding another Welsh against English contest to the programme. BOXXER+1
The event will be promoted by BOXXER and broadcast live and free to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, giving boxing fans across the UK the opportunity to watch Price’s latest world title defence.
BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom described Price as one of the biggest names in British boxing and welcomed the opportunity to bring another major championship event to Wales. BBC Cymru Wales managing editor for sport Graham Davies also praised Price’s journey from Olympic champion to unified world champion.
November 20 will bring Price back to familiar territory, but the task in front of her is a serious one. Kotaskova is determined to claim the titles, while the champion will be looking to deliver another successful defence and give Welsh boxing supporters a night to remember.
