Negotiations are still underway for a potential clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price, following Shields' impressive recapture of two world middleweight titles on Saturday. In a dominant performance, the undefeated Michigan native reclaimed the WBC and WBA belts by stopping Kaye Scott in the sixth round, marking her third reign as a middleweight world champion.
Price, who currently holds the unified welterweight crown, has emerged as a logical next challenger, and Shields' promoter Dmitriy Salita has expressed a strong desire to lock down the fight between the two Olympic gold‑medal winners. "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 every request from Lauren’s promotional team, BOXXER, and from Lauren herself." Salita explained that he invited Price and her representatives to the negotiation table because of the close, business‑oriented relationships he maintains with the fighters he promotes, particularly Shields.
"Both Claressa and Lauren know the moving parts of a major bout and act as partners in the decision‑making process," he said. "I wanted them to sit down together, review any outstanding issues, and see if there was anything that still needed to be resolved. Claressa is exceptionally savvy and has a wealth of experience in arranging marquee fights, and I have no doubt Lauren is equally sharp." Although the two athletes were unable to meet in person at that particular moment, Salita emphasized that discussions are ongoing and that the goal remains unchanged: to bring the fight to fruition.
"Unfortunately they weren’t able to make it, but the conversations are ongoing and we want to make the fight," he added. Beyond the Price matchup, Shields has also been linked to other high‑profile opponents.
One possibility is a showdown with WBO and IBF middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault, while another rumor suggests a bout with fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is slated to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified super‑welterweight title fight in Birmingham on August 29, broadcast live on Sky Sports. Salita underscored Shields' ambition, stating, "Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear." He also hinted that alternative plans are in motion should the Price fight fall through. "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." Shields' recent victory drew an enormous crowd to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, a turnout that included some of the most prominent figures in boxing, music, and broader popular culture.
Salita noted that the event’s atmosphere reflected Shields' growing star power beyond the squared circle. "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 – and the list goes on.
The energy in the arena was electric." The promoter believes that Shields' appeal now extends far beyond traditional boxing fans, positioning her as a crossover athlete capable of attracting mainstream attention. This broader appeal, he argues, makes a high‑stakes fight with Price even more compelling for promoters, broadcasters, and sponsors alike. A bout between two Olympic champions would not only generate significant pay‑per‑view revenue but also provide a narrative of two women who have already proven themselves on the world stage, now competing for supremacy in the professional ranks. From a technical standpoint, the matchup presents a fascinating stylistic contrast.
Shields, known for her relentless pressure, powerful body work, and ability to cut off the ring, would test Price’s speed, footwork, and counter‑punching prowess. Price, a disciplined welterweight champion with a reputation for precise combinations and defensive acumen, would need to adapt to Shields' larger frame and higher weight class.
Analysts predict that the fight could hinge on whether Price can impose her rhythm and avoid Shields' heavy inside game, or whether Shields can force the action and capitalize on her power advantage. Both fighters have expressed admiration for each other's achievements. In previous interviews, Shields praised Price’s technical skill set and Olympic pedigree, while Price has spoken about Shields' tenacity and her own desire to challenge herself against a fighter of Shields' caliber. This mutual respect adds an extra layer of intrigue, suggesting that the bout would be fought with both competitive fire and professional courtesy.
The financial stakes are also noteworthy. With both athletes boasting strong fan bases and significant social media followings, a fight could command a lucrative purse split and attract major sponsorship deals.
Networks are reportedly lining up to broadcast the event, with Sky Sports already having a history of showcasing Shields' fights and expressing interest in a potential Pay‑Per‑View or streaming arrangement that could reach global audiences. In summary, while negotiations are still in progress, the consensus among promoters, analysts, and fans is that a Claressa Shields versus Lauren Price showdown would be a landmark event for women's boxing. The combination of Olympic gold medals, championship belts, and charismatic personalities promises a compelling narrative that could elevate the sport’s profile worldwide. Salita remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached soon, and that the fight will soon move from the negotiation table to the center of the ring, delivering a historic moment for both athletes and the sport as a whole.