UNSTOPPABLE
What happens when women command one of the world’s most iconic venues? We’re taking you inside the Royal Albert Hall for a night of power, pride, and a sprinkle of diamanté, where women’s boxing seizes the spotlight and crafts its own legacy.
By Natasha
Photography By Callum O'Keefe
The Royal Albert Hall is not built for boxing. It is built for grandeur, for music that swells in the chest, for voices that echo into eternity. It is built for the Proms, for opera, for black-tie elegance. And yet, tonight, it belongs to something else. Not a symphony, but the crack of leather on skin. Not an oratorio, but the rhythmic thud of gloves finding their mark. This is not just another event in the Hall’s storied history. It is a collision of tradition and transformation.
Team Glorious (well, myself and our fiercely patriotic Welsh photographer!) meet outside the redbrick coliseum, a venue that once rejected men’s boxing but now plays host to Unstoppable, a groundbreaking all-female fight card promoted by BOXXER and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The main event of the evening is a world welterweight unification bout between Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas, holding the WBC and IBF titles, and Cardiff’s Lauren Price, the WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine champion. Five world titles are on the line, the kind of stakes that demand attention. But the true significance of the night is felt beyond the ring, in the crowd, in the coverage, in the belief that this is only the beginning.
“I mean, it’s pretty impressive,” Jonah laughs to his brother, Alfie, as we all gaze up at the building. The two young men, draped in Welsh flags and waiting to enter the venue, are here for their first-ever boxing match. “We’ve never been to a fight before, but we’re excited!” Jonah says. Alfie nods in agreement before telling us about his work in women’s football. “Like women’s football, in fact all women’s sport, boxing is obviously on the rise.”
Picking up our tickets and being ushered through the production entrance, we pass Polly James, mic in hand, preparing for the VIP arrivals. A familiar face on Sky Sports, Polly covers boxing and darts. I ask her if being Welsh influences who her money’s on.”I try to stay impartial,” she laughs. “I’ve known Lauren for years and have seen what she’s been through and witnessed the hard work she’s put in, so naturally, I’m rooting for her. That said, both Natasha and Lauren are incredible athletes, and what Natasha has done for women’s boxing is nothing short of amazing.”
She pauses, smiling. “Honestly, I’m just excited to see these two champions face off and for an incredible night of women’s boxing, and the fact it’s International Women’s Day tomorrow- brilliant”
And what better way to mark a day dedicated to progress than with a night like this? This year’s IWD theme, Accelerate Action, could not feel more fitting. Women’s boxing has spent years fighting for recognition, pushing against outdated perceptions, and demanding its place in the spotlight. But tonight, no one is questioning its validity. No one is asking if it belongs. It is simply happening.
It is not just about visibility; it is about momentum. Each punch thrown, each belt won, and each young girl in the crowd seeing a future in the sport proves that change is not just coming. It is already here. If accelerating action means breaking barriers at speed, then this event is doing exactly that. It is impossible to ignore the level of support for the fighters, the personal ties between the athletes, and the passion of those watching. GB boxers Kerry Davis and Shona Whitwell are here with their friend Amelia. Kerry started boxing at 15 after her mum, a former karate competitor, tried and failed to get her into the sport. “Hang on, you’re a GB boxer too?!” I ask, mortified that I had just asked if she had ever watched boxing before. Kerry laughs. “I was Lauren’s sparring partner for Tokyo!”
Having been in the ring with her, how does Kerry rate Lauren’s chances? “I mean… Natasha can’t be underestimated, she’s done so much for the sport, but Lauren? It’s her time. She should be a household name, and I think she’s getting there. I mean, she should be from her Olympic gold, but I guess something like this evening really can solidify her as a history maker.”
momentum
The crowd is full of men and women who are not just casual spectators but deeply invested in the sport. It is not just the scale of the event that makes it special but the people who have travelled miles to be here. Vince and Diane, in their matching purple outfits, have come from South Wales to support Price. Sarah, another fan proudly sporting her Wales shirt, has travelled from Cardiff. The palpable support for Price is a reflection not only of her talent but of the deep connection to the fighters who are reshaping the sport.
This is the environment that Natasha Jonas helped build – a legacy that includes her own Olympic medal and pivotal role in paving the way for future athletes. Price, a fellow Olympic medalist, has now taken that legacy further, becoming a rising star in boxing. As I speak with Callum, our Welsh Glorious photographer for the evening, he laughs, “Wales stands behind Wales, and Lauren is a true Welsh champion! People want to be part of her journey and cheer her on every step of the way.”
This evening, the boxing community also unites to support Georgia O’Connor, a five-time national boxing champion who is courageously battling cancer. Georgia’s strength and determination inspire many, and her journey has touched the hearts of fans and fighters alike. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist her during this challenging time, with contributions directly supporting her fight against cancer.
As ring announcer Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts highlights Georgia’s extraordinary battle, the crowd’s support is palpable. The event also honours legendary boxing coach Joe Gallagher, who, earlier this year, revealed his diagnosis of stage four bowel and liver cancer. At 56, Gallagher has trained numerous world champions, including Natasha Jonas. Despite his diagnosis, he continues to prepare his fighters, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication.
I’ve attended my fair share of boxing matches over the years, mostly men’s bouts, with a few women’s fights sprinkled in. While chatting with Leanne, known as the ‘Queen of Boxing,’ and her friend Keeley, they share a similar perspective. “You’ve got to have variety,” Leanne says. “I appreciate women’s boxing in mixed-card events, but it’s really important to have nights exclusively for women every now and then to remind everyone of the talent that’s there.”
I couldn’t agree more. Events like tonight are essential in challenging outdated stereotypes. The full hall speaks for itself. Women’s boxing has the power to sell out arenas and attract significant viewership, something I don’t need to be told. Every time we publish a Glorious story on boxing or combat sports, it’s hugely popular. Our analytics show that the readers engaging most with this content are younger than our typical (already pretty young!) audience.
I think the reason for this is simple. These women have not grown up with the same outdated perceptions that once surrounded boxing and women’s sport in general.
I speak to a friend, a father to two daughters, aged 14 and 16. “I mean, why couldn’t they take up ballet or something?” he says. “But no, they love boxing!” A staunch boxing fan himself, he had stepped into the ring a few times in his younger (and, as he puts it, much fitter!) days, but the idea of his daughters doing the same was something else entirely. “I honestly winced at the thought of my girls getting hit. I just could not stand it.” And yet, he had followed the career of Natasha Jonas for years. “I’ve always been a massive fan of Tasha. I mean, first of all, she’s Scouse. I’m Scouse. Secondly, I recognise a lot of her journey. Growing up, I had a similar upbringing, and I remember seeing her at the 2012 London Olympics and thinking, ‘Go on, girl!’”
Even then, he could not shake the discomfort of watching his own daughters step into the ring. It was not just his wife and kids who told him to get over it. His mates down the pub, the same ones he had spent years dissecting fights with over pints, were the ones who made him rethink. “And funnily enough, it was the lads I least expected who changed my mind. Other (male) boxing fans. We had always talked about the sport, but suddenly, it was not just about the men anymore. It was about the fights, the talent, the skill. And the more I watched, the more I understood. Women’s boxing is just as exciting.”
He exhales, as if still coming to terms with it himself. “Perceptions are shifting whether we like it or not. And now? Now I cannot wait to be in my daughter’s corner supporting her when she steps into the ring over the next few years!”
visibility
This shift in perception is happening across the sport, and visibility is everything. Men in the sport are recognising it too, not just as spectators but as advocates. Matt Macklin, a former European middleweight champion who is commentating tonight, believes the growth of women’s boxing is only going in one direction. “It’s already grown at an incredible rate, and I don’t think you could have done anything to speed it up more. It has evolved at the pace it was meant to, and the progress has been pretty astronomical. That is a testament to the fighters and the quality of the fights they have produced. But it is also thanks to broadcasters, networks, and promoters who have backed the sport. The only thing that will take it further now is time.”
Later, I speak with Shenade and Kelly Farmer, who’ve traveled from Shropshire to attend the event. “We love Ben Shalom!” they joke. Ben Shalom, the CEO of BOXXER, has been an unwavering supporter of women’s boxing, championing female athletes and pushing for more high-profile events. He is the promoter attached to this evening. Shenade and Kelly are true fans, travelling up and down the country showing their support at women’s boxing events. Their passion mirrors the growing energy and momentum surrounding the sport.
It’s this kind of growth that Diendra Dejhaun, an 18-year-old boxer from Haringey Boxing Club, is recognising. This is his first-ever women’s fight, and he’s here with his mum. “I want to go pro,” he says with enthusiasm. “That’s the dream!” When asked why he decided to attend Unstoppable, he laughs. “I was given some tickets, and I thought, I should take my mum. These boxers are really good! Plus, it’s International Women’s Day!”
As Diendra steps into a space where women’s boxing is being celebrated, it’s clear how important visibility is for inspiring the next generation. It’s not just about seeing the talent, but about young people understanding that they too can be part of this world.
“Boxing builds self-confidence, self-belief, and self-worth. You get out of it what you put in. I was a shy young boy when I started, and boxing completely transformed me. There is no reason why it would not do the same for a young girl coming through. If she sees fighters like these performing at this level, why would she not believe she could do it too?” says Johnny Nelson, a former cruiserweight world champion and longtime Sky Sports pundit, who is commentating on tonight’s action.
I also get the chance to speak to Stacey Copeland, a history-maker in every sense of the word. Not only has she represented her country in both football and boxing, but in 2018, she became the first British woman to win the Commonwealth title. Now part of the commentary team for the night, Copeland stresses the importance of visibility for the next generation “If we can give young girls those role models early, then hopefully they won’t be put off from reaching their full potential, because they’ll believe in themselves, and they’ll have those examples.”
There is a strong sense of community here, and that’s what stands out. Most people I speak to tonight have a connection to the sport or have come looking for something more than just a night out. They are here because this event means something to them. As I wait for a glass of wine at the bar, I can feel the energy of the crowd. Despite the grandeur of the venue, it has an intimate, personal vibe, a space built for those who love the sport and want to see it thrive. Women naturally come together to celebrate other women, to be inspired, and to see themselves reflected in the fighters in the ring.
Courtney has travelled from Southampton. “I only started boxing in January. But next week, I have an Ultra White Collar Boxing match. It has been quick! I’m here looking for tips!” she laughs.
I meet Kelsey Oakley, a GB boxer aiming for the Commonwealth Games, in attendance with her friend Ellie Jones, who she met through boxing. I ask her how she got into it. “I was bullied when I was younger, and I found boxing about eight years ago. It helped me with confidence really, plus it’s how I’ve met all my friends! I am so excited for every fight tonight. I have a link to nearly all of them!”
Kelsey has previously trained with Price as well as Karriss Artingstall, who faces Raven Chapman in the featherweight division. She has also sparred with Cindy Ngamba, who was set to fight Kirstie Bavington before having to pull out at the last minute. “Kirstie was my PE teacher at school so I’m gutted to not see her in the ring tonight!”
Stories like Kelsey’s and Courtney’s are proof that visibility changes everything. Without opportunities to see women competing at the highest level, how are young girls supposed to believe they belong in the ring?
Swapping boxing gloves for a chic white suit this evening as she commentates, Skye Nicholson, an Australian professional boxer and current WBC featherweight world champion, knows firsthand how important representation is. A former Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Olympic competitor, Skye says, “Promotional companies holding events like this is so important because young girls watching tonight will think, ‘wow, I could do that!’ If we keep having big shows on mainstream platforms but there is not a single women’s fight on the card, how are girls supposed to believe that boxing is for them? We need more shows like this. It is the only way to grow the sport.”
unstoppable
Slowly, women’s boxing has been making space and forcing people to take notice. Major broadcasters like Sky and DAZN are investing more and more into the sport. Netflix has now entered the boxing scene, and their Taylor vs. Serrano 2 fight, on the Tyson-Paul undercard, pulled in 60 million viewers (read more about this event in this Glorious story). They have just announced Taylor vs. Serrano 3, promising a bigger, bolder event. And who can forget major milestones closer to home, such as the all-female boxing event at the O2 Arena in 2022, headlined by Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall? Unstoppable is another key moment in this movement, proving that the demand for these events is only growing.
As the lights lower and the first beats of the fighters’ walk-on music echo through the Royal Albert Hall, the atmosphere shifts. The crowd roars, the energy crackles in the air, and the drama of fight night takes full effect. If there’s one thing I love, it’s a bit of showmanship, a touch of diamanté and flair mixed with the grit of the ring. Tonight does not disappoint. From bold, theatrical ring walks to the sheer intensity inside the ropes, this is a spectacle, and the fights deliver at every level.
The undercard sets the stage for what is to come. Karriss Artingstall puts on a clinical performance against Raven Chapman, controlling the fight from start to finish to take a unanimous decision victory. Jasmina Zapotoczna edges out Chloe Watson in a closely fought contest, securing the European flyweight title by split decision. Francesca Hennessy extends her unbeaten record with a composed points victory over Gemma Ruegg in a super bantamweight clash.
Then comes one of the most anticipated fights of the night, as Caroline Dubois defends her WBC lightweight world title against South Korea’s Bo Mi Re Shin. Dubois is pushed harder than expected, but she retains her belt by majority decision. Each fight is fought at a relentless pace, making every round compelling. As Matt Macklin explains, that is exactly what makes women’s boxing so engaging. “The two-minute rounds mean the fights are fought at a faster pace. There’s higher intensity, and because, generally speaking, women don’t have as much one-punch knockout power as men, they take more shots. The fact that women’s boxing tends to have sustained action makes it really fan-friendly. People love that kind of intensity, and it lasts longer over the rounds.”
Then, the main event arrives. The lights flash, smoke billows along the walkway, and ring announcer Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts takes his position, summoning each fighter. First, it’s Lauren Price, the WBA welterweight champion. She steps out to a spine tingling Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyddressed in an all-black robe with black sequined trim. The crowd erupts, Welsh flags waving high in the air.
Now it’s Natasha Jonas, the reigning WBC and IBF champion. Her entrance is preceded by poet and spoken word artist Sophia Thakur, whose powerful words build the anticipation. Then Jonas appears, stepping into the hall to a roaring reception, draped in a Union Jack-embellished robe. She pauses near the tunnel, letting the moment breathe before Beyoncé’s Run the World (Girls) blasts from the speakers – the cue for her final approach to the ring.
From the first bell, Price is sharper, faster, and in control. Jonas, as experienced and tough as they come, tries to close the gap, but Price’s footwork and movement keep her one step ahead. She picks her shots with precision, never allowing Jonas the time or space to settle. With every round, she strengthens her grip on the fight, edging closer to unifying the division.
When the final bell rings, the judges’ scorecards confirm it. Lauren Price is the unified welterweight world champion.
Welsh flags fly as Tom Jones’ Delilah booms through the speakers. People are on their feet, cheering, singing, swept up in the emotion of the night. But beyond the celebrations, there is a quiet certainty in the air. This does not feel like a breakthrough moment, a rare occasion to be heralded as progress. It feels like something established, something that belongs.
No one is asking if women’s boxing can sell out arenas. No one is questioning whether the fights are entertaining enough. Those debates are redundant. The only conversation left is about what comes next – bigger venues, bigger purses, bigger platforms. Because tonight is not an exception. It is the standard.
As the last of the crowd filters out of the Royal Albert Hall, one thing is clear. Women’s boxing is not waiting to be given space. It has taken it. And it is, in every sense, unstoppable.
Huge thanks to the team at Sky Sports Boxing for their hospitality and for making this incredible night possible!
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