Shields Sets Sights on Price in US and UK Showdowns

Claressa Shields is gearing up for highly anticipated bouts in the US and UK against Lauren Price, as the two Olympic champions prepare to face off for the first time later this year. Price successfully defended her unified welterweight title against Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff, despite a grueling fight that left her bloodied. Following the match, Price and Shields met in the ring, setting the stage for a potential middleweight clash before the end of 2026. Shields expressed her enthusiasm for the fight, stating that she looks forward to taking on Price, who is willing to move up to 160lbs and even wants to compete in the US. Shields' promoter, Dmitriy Salita, praised the boxer as a 'generational talent' and emphasized her commitment to making the biggest and best fights to advance the sport. Salita also revealed that Shields' attendance at Price's fight in the UK was a sign of respect for her skills and a potential precursor to a future match in the UK. Shields, who claimed Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016, believes that her matchup with Price, the 2020 Olympic champion, will be a significant and exciting bout. Despite expecting to 'make easy work' of Price, Shields acknowledged her opponent's resilience and toughness in her recent victory over Pineiro. The undefeated American also expressed interest in a potential fight against Mikaela Mayer, but emphasized that a showdown with Price is more substantial due to her Olympic pedigree.