Claressa Shields reclaimed her WBC and WBA world middleweight titles by stopping Kaye Scott in Atlanta, as talks over a fight with Lauren Price continue. The undefeated Michigan star halted her opponent in the sixth round at State Farm Arena to become a middleweight world champion for a third time.
Negotiations are now underway for a high-profile showdown against Price, the unified world welterweight champion. Shields' promoter Dmitriy Salita confirmed that his team is actively working to finalize terms for a clash between two Olympic gold medallists.
Salita told Sky Sports that his promotional company has agreed to all financial and logistical requests put forward by Price and her promotional team, BOXXER. He also revealed that he had invited Welsh champion Price to attend the Atlanta event to finalize terms in person.
"We're working on it as we speak," Salita told Sky Sports. "Our intention is to make the fight. Based on my understanding, we have agreed to all the requests from BOXXER and Lauren's side."
"I invited Lauren and her team to the fight because my relationship with the fighters we promote, and certainly with Claressa, is that they know all the moving parts and are business partners in making these decisions," Salita explained.
"I wanted Lauren and Claressa to have an opportunity to sit down together and see if there was anything outstanding," Salita added. "Claressa is extremely intelligent and very experienced in making big fights, and I'm sure Lauren is sharp as well. Unfortunately, they weren't able to make it, but the conversations are ongoing and we want to make the fight."
Agreed terms and prospective opponents
A match between Shields and Price would pit two of women's boxing's most accomplished champions against each other. Shields, who won Olympic gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016 before turning professional, has established herself as a multi-division champion. Price captured Olympic gold for Great Britain at the Tokyo Games before claiming unified world titles at welterweight following a victory over Stephanie Pineiro Aquino.
If an agreement with Price cannot be reached, Salita indicated that alternative options remain available for Shields' next bout. The Michigan fighter has also been linked with WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault, as well as fellow American fighter Mikaela Mayer.
Mayer is scheduled to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified world super-welterweight title fight in Birmingham on August 29. Salita emphasized that Shields remains focused on competing in major events regardless of which opponent steps forward next.
"Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events, that's always been clear," Salita said. "There are a few other conversations taking place in case the Lauren Price fight doesn't come together."
"We'll make a decision soon, but whatever is next, the goal is for it to be another legacy-making moment for Claressa and for boxing," the promoter added.
Star presence at State Farm Arena
Shields' victory over Scott in Georgia drew a capacity audience to State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise, highlighting her growing commercial appeal beyond traditional sports audiences.
Salita noted that high-profile figures from boxing and entertainment requested tickets right up until the opening bell. Championship boxers Floyd Mayweather and Terence Crawford attended the card, alongside music superstars Usher and Kevin Gates.
"It was incredible," Salita said. "We were getting calls and requests from some of the biggest stars in hip-hop, music, boxing and culture right up until the final bell."
"Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford, and the list goes on," he added. "The atmosphere was electric. It was a special night in a packed arena and a real reflection of Claressa's star power and how far her reach has grown beyond boxing."
The WBC and WBA middleweight titles returned to Shields following her stoppage of Scott, setting up a potential unification or cross-weight clash later in 2026. With negotiations ongoing with BOXXER and alternative options being evaluated by Salita Promotions, an official announcement on Shields' next opponent is expected shortly.
