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 crown to her résumé and cementing her status as an unbeaten force from Michigan. Price, who currently holds the unified welterweight championship, is being touted as Shields' next challenger.
Dmitriy Salita, the promoter who manages Shields, has said he is eager to lock down the terms for a showdown 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 all the requests from Lauren’s promotional team, BOXXER, and from Lauren herself." Salita explained that he invited Price and her camp to sit down with Shields because he treats the fighters he promotes as partners in the business. "My relationship with the athletes I represent, especially Claressa, is built on transparency.
They know the moving parts, and we make decisions together," he said. "I wanted Lauren and Claressa to meet face‑to‑face to iron out any remaining details. Claressa is extremely savvy and experienced in negotiating marquee fights, and I’m confident Lauren is equally sharp." Although the meeting did not happen as planned, 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 bout, Shields has been linked to other high‑profile opponents.
One possibility is a fight against WBO and IBF middle‑weight champion Tamm Thibeault. Another option on the table is a matchup with fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is scheduled to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified super‑welterweight title clash in Birmingham on August 29, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear," Salita said. "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 another legacy‑building moment for Claressa and for boxing." Shields' recent victory drew a massive crowd to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and the event attracted attention from some of the most recognizable names in music, hip‑hop, and combat sports.
Salita believes the champion’s appeal now extends far 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 – the list goes on. The atmosphere was electric." The promoter described the night as a "special" one, noting how the packed arena reflected Shields' growing star power and cultural reach. "It was a packed arena, 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 fight carries significant intrigue for fans and analysts alike. Both athletes are Olympic gold medalists – Shields won gold in the women’s middleweight division at the 2012 London Games, while Price captured gold in the welterweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Their shared amateur pedigree adds a layer of narrative that could elevate the bout to a historic level.
From a stylistic perspective, Shields is known for her relentless pressure, powerful jab, and ability to cut off the ring, while Price brings a technical, counter‑punching style honed through years of elite competition. A clash of these contrasting approaches would likely produce a tactical chess match inside the ropes, with each fighter looking to impose her game plan. Beyond the in‑ring implications, the fight could have broader commercial ramifications.
Boxing’s women’s division has seen a surge in viewership and sponsorship interest over the past few years, and a high‑profile showdown between two decorated champions could attract major broadcast deals, pay‑per‑view buys, and cross‑promotional opportunities. Salita’s comments about the involvement of celebrities and music icons suggest that the fight could be positioned as a cultural event as much as a sporting one. As of now, no official date or venue has been announced, and the negotiations remain confidential. However, Salita’s public statements indicate a strong desire to finalize the agreement quickly, with both camps reportedly aligned on financial terms and promotional responsibilities.
If the fight does go ahead, it would likely be scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025, allowing both fighters adequate time to prepare and market the event. In summary, the Shields‑Price bout remains in the negotiation phase, with promoter Dmitriy Salita actively working to satisfy both parties’ demands. While alternative opponents are being explored as contingency plans, the primary goal remains to stage a historic encounter between two Olympic champions, a fight that could further cement Claressa Shields’ legacy and elevate the profile of women’s boxing worldwide.