Shields Sets Sights on Price in US and UK Showdowns

Claressa Shields is targeting bouts in the US and UK against Lauren Price, as the Olympic champions prepare for their inaugural clash later this year. Following Price's grueling victory over Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff, the two fighters faced off in the ring, setting the stage for a potential middleweight showdown before the end of 2026. Shields, who remains undefeated with a 18-0 professional record, expressed her enthusiasm for the fight, stating, 'I look forward to fighting her, and she's willing to move up to 160lbs. We may even have a fight in the US, followed by another in the UK, if the first one is successful.' Shields' promoter, Dmitriy Salita, praised the fighter, saying, 'Claressa is a truly exceptional, generational talent, and we're witnessing someone with a rare, transcendent quality.' Salita also revealed that the team has had positive conversations about making the Shields-Price fight happen this year, likely in the US. Shields, who claimed Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016, believes a match-up with Price, the 2020 Olympic champion, would be particularly significant. Reflecting on Price's recent victory, Shields noted, 'Lauren showed resilience and toughness, and her Olympic pedigree makes this fight even more appealing.' While Shields expects to easily defeat Price, as well as three-weight world champion Mikaela Mayer, she acknowledges that a showdown with Price is more substantial due to Price's Olympic champion status.