Negotiations are still underway to line up a clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price after the American champion reclaimed two world middleweight belts on Saturday. Shields reclaimed the WBC and WBA titles with a decisive sixth‑round stoppage of Kaye Scott, adding a third middleweight world championship to her résumé and cementing her status as an unbeaten force from Michigan.
Price, who currently holds the unified welterweight crowns, is being floated as Shields' next opponent. Dmitriy Salita, the promoter behind Shields, has said he is eager to lock down the terms for a showdown 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 requests from Price’s promotional team, BOXXER, and from Lauren’s camp." Salita explained that he invited Price and her representatives to sit down with Shields because of the close, business‑oriented relationships he maintains with the fighters he promotes.
"My relationship with Claressa and the other athletes I work with is built on transparency; they know the moving parts and are partners in these decisions," he said. "I wanted Lauren and Claressa to have a chance to meet face‑to‑face and address any remaining issues. Claressa is incredibly smart and seasoned when it comes to negotiating marquee fights, and I have no doubt Lauren is just as sharp." Although the two camps have not yet been able to finalize an agreement, Salita emphasized that talks are ongoing and that the promoter remains committed to making the bout happen.
"Unfortunately they weren’t able to meet in person yet, but the conversation continues and we want to make the fight," he added. In addition to the potential Price matchup, Shields has been linked to other high‑profile opponents. One name that has surfaced is WBO and IBF middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault. Another possible opponent is fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is slated to fight Chantelle Cameron for the unified super‑welterweight titles in Birmingham on August 29, a fight that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Salita underscored Shields' ambition, saying, "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 place should the Price fight fall through. "We have a few other conversations happening in case the Lauren Price fight doesn’t materialize. We’ll make a decision soon, but whatever comes next, the goal is to create another legacy‑building moment for Claressa and for boxing as a whole." The atmosphere surrounding Shields' recent victory was electric.
The State Farm Arena in Atlanta was packed with a crowd that included not only boxing aficionados but also major figures from music and popular culture. Salita noted that the event attracted calls and messages from some of the biggest names in hip‑hop, mainstream music, and combat sports right up until the final bell.
"Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – the list goes on," he recounted. "The energy in the arena was incredible, a true testament to Claressa’s star power and the way her influence now stretches far beyond the squared circle." The promoter believes that Shields' growing reputation is helping to bridge the gap between boxing and broader entertainment, drawing attention from audiences who might not normally follow the sport. This crossover appeal, he argues, is essential for elevating women's boxing to new heights and securing larger, more lucrative platforms for future fights. As the negotiations progress, fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely.
A Shields‑Price showdown would not only bring together two Olympic champions but also create a compelling narrative of two women at the pinnacle of their respective weight classes seeking to test each other’s limits. If the bout can be finalized, it promises to be a landmark event for the sport, potentially drawing record viewership and further solidifying both athletes' places in boxing history. Regardless of the final outcome, Salita’s commitment to delivering high‑profile matchups for Shields remains unwavering. He continues to explore all viable options, aiming to secure a fight that not only satisfies the athletes’ competitive desires but also captivates a global audience hungry for top‑tier women's boxing.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Shields‑Price fight becomes a reality or whether an alternative opponent steps into the spotlight, each scenario offering the promise of another memorable chapter in Claressa Shields' storied career.