Negotiations are still underway to line up a clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price after the American champion reclaimed two world middleweight titles on Saturday. Shields reclaimed the WBC and WBA belts with a decisive sixth‑round stoppage of Kaye Scott, adding a third middleweight world championship to her already impressive résumé.
The undefeated fighter from Michigan cemented her status as a three‑time middleweight champion, and her promoter, Dmitriy Salita, has signaled a strong desire to match her against Price, the unified welterweight champion, in what would be a meeting of two Olympic gold‑medalists. Salita told Sky Sports, "We’re working on it as we speak. Our intention is to make the fight.
From what I understand, we have met all the requests from Lauren’s promotional team, BOXXER, and her camp." He emphasized that the dialogue is active and that both sides are cooperating to iron out the remaining details. The promoter explained his approach to arranging the bout, saying, "I invited Lauren and her team to the table because the relationship I have with the fighters I promote – especially Claressa – is built on transparency.
They understand the moving parts, and we act as business partners when making these decisions." Salita added that he wanted the two champions to sit down together, discuss any lingering issues, and reach a mutual agreement. "Claressa is extremely intelligent and very experienced in orchestrating big fights, and I’m sure Lauren is just as sharp," he noted. Although a face‑to‑face meeting has not yet taken place, Salita confirmed that talks are ongoing and that the goal remains 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 said. 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 middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault. Another option is a fight against fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is slated to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified super‑welterweight title clash in Birmingham on August 29, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Salita reiterated Shields’ ambition, stating, "Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear." He added that alternative negotiations are proceeding in case the Price fight does not materialize. "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." The recent title‑winning event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta drew an enormous crowd and attracted attention from celebrities across sports and entertainment.
Salita observed that Shields’ appeal now extends far beyond the boxing ring. "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 recounted. He named Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates and Terence Crawford among the notable figures who reached out, underscoring the electric atmosphere and the growing cultural footprint of the champion.
The promoter described the night as a "special night in a packed arena" that highlighted Shields’ star power and the expanding reach of her brand. He believes that the buzz surrounding the fighter will help sell any future matchup, especially a high‑stakes contest against a fellow Olympic champion like Price. Both Shields and Price bring unique narratives to the table.
Shields, a three‑time Olympic gold‑medalist, has transitioned from amateur dominance to professional supremacy, capturing titles in multiple weight classes and building a reputation for relentless aggression and technical precision. Price, meanwhile, earned her own Olympic gold in the 2020 Tokyo Games and has since consolidated the welterweight division, showcasing a blend of speed, power, and tactical acumen.
A fight between the two would not only pit two of the sport’s most decorated women against each other but also generate significant media interest, sponsorship opportunities, and fan excitement worldwide. The matchup promises contrasting styles – Shields’ forward‑pressing, body‑heavy approach versus Price’s slick, counter‑punching technique – which could produce a compelling tactical battle inside the ring. From a business perspective, the bout could be a watershed moment for women’s boxing, drawing mainstream attention and potentially setting new benchmarks for viewership and revenue.
Salita’s emphasis on securing the fight reflects an understanding of this broader impact, as he seeks to position Shields at the forefront of a new era for the sport. In summary, while the negotiations are still in progress and a final agreement has yet to be signed, all parties appear committed to making the Shields‑Price showdown a reality. Whether the fight ultimately takes place in Atlanta, London, or another major venue, the anticipation continues to build, and the boxing community remains eager to witness what could become a historic encounter between two of the game’s most celebrated athletes.