Negotiations are still underway to arrange a clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price after the American champion reclaimed two middle‑weight world titles on Saturday. Shields reclaimed the WBC and WBA belts with a decisive sixth‑round stoppage of Kaye Scott, adding a third middle‑weight world championship to her unbeaten record and solidifying her status as one of the sport’s premier fighters.
Lauren Price, who currently holds the unified welter‑weight titles, is being positioned as the next possible challenger. Dmitriy Salita, the promoter behind Shields, has expressed a strong desire to lock in a fight that would pit two Olympic gold‑medalists against each other. "We’re working on it as we speak," Salita told Sky Sports. "Our intention is to make the fight.
From what I understand, we have met all the demands put forward by Price’s promotional team, BOXXER, and Lauren’s camp." Salita explained that he invited Price and her representatives to sit down with Shields to iron out any remaining details. "My relationship with the fighters I promote – especially Claressa – is built on transparency.
They know the moving parts and act as business partners in these decisions," he said. "I wanted Lauren and Claressa to meet face‑to‑face, discuss any outstanding issues, and see if there were any final hurdles. Claressa is incredibly sharp and experienced when it comes to big‑ticket fights, and I have no doubt Lauren is equally astute." Although the meeting did not result in an immediate agreement, Salita emphasized that talks are still active. "Unfortunately they weren’t able to make it, but the conversations are ongoing and we want to make the fight," he added.
In addition to the potential Price showdown, Shields has been linked to other high‑profile opponents. One possibility is a bout with WBO and IBF middle‑weight champion Tamm Thibeault. Another option on the table is a fight against fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is scheduled to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified super‑welterweight title contest in Birmingham on August 29, broadcast live on Sky Sports. Salita reiterated Shields’ ambition to compete against the best and to be part of marquee events that leave a lasting impact on the sport.
"Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear," he said. "We have a few other conversations happening in case the Lauren Price fight doesn’t materialise.
We’ll make a decision soon, but whatever we choose next, the aim is to create another legacy‑defining moment for Claressa and for boxing as a whole." The recent fight in Atlanta drew a massive crowd to State Farm Arena, with attendance bolstered by celebrities from both the boxing world and the broader entertainment industry. Salita noted that the event’s reach extended far beyond the sport itself.
"It was incredible. 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," he recalled. "Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – the list goes on. The atmosphere was electric." He added that the night was a clear indicator of Shields’ growing star power.
"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," Salita said. The prospect of a Shields‑Price showdown carries significant appeal for fans and promoters alike. Both athletes are Olympic gold medalists – Shields captured gold at the 2012 London Games and again at Rio 2016, while Price won her medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games before turning professional. A fight between them would not only pit two elite athletes against each other but also create a narrative that spans amateur glory and professional ambition.
From a business perspective, the matchup promises high pay‑per‑view numbers and strong ticket sales. The combination of Shields’ established fan base in the United States and Price’s growing following in the United Kingdom could generate a transatlantic audience, attracting sponsors from both markets. Moreover, the cultural crossover – with music and entertainment figures already showing interest – suggests the bout could be marketed as a major pop‑culture event, similar to past fights that blended sport with celebrity appeal.
If the negotiations succeed, the fight could be scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, allowing both fighters ample time to promote the event and for the promoters to secure a prime broadcasting slot. The timing would also avoid clashes with other major boxing events, ensuring maximum exposure.
Should the Price fight fall through, Salita indicated that alternative plans are already in motion. A clash with Tamm Thibeault would keep Shields in the middle‑weight division and could unify additional titles, further cementing her legacy. Conversely, a bout with Mikaela Mayer would create a high‑profile American showdown, potentially drawing significant domestic interest and adding another chapter to the narrative of American women’s boxing dominance.
In summary, while the final decision is still pending, the ongoing dialogue between the two camps reflects a shared commitment to making a historic fight happen. Whether the eventual opponent is Price, Thibeault, or Mayer, the overarching goal remains the same: to deliver a memorable, legacy‑building event that showcases Claressa Shields’ talent, marketability, and ambition to be the sport’s premier female fighter.