Negotiations are still underway to arrange a clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price after the American champion reclaimed two world middleweight titles on Saturday. Shields secured the WBC and WBA belts with a decisive sixth‑round stoppage of Kaye Scott, adding a third middleweight world championship to her résumé. Price, who holds the unified welterweight crown, has emerged as a logical next challenger, and Shields' promoter Dmitriy Salita says he is eager to lock down a fight that would pit two Olympic gold‑medalists against each other.
"We are working on it right now," Salita told Sky Sports. "Our goal is to make this fight happen. From what I understand, we have met every demand from Price's promotional outfit, BOXXER, and from Lauren's camp." Salita explained that he invited Price and her team to the negotiating table because of the close, business‑oriented relationships he maintains with the fighters he represents. "My relationship with the athletes I promote – especially Claressa – is built on transparency and partnership.
I wanted both women to sit down, review any outstanding issues, and see if we could reach a final agreement. Claressa is extremely savvy and experienced in putting together marquee events, and I have no doubt Lauren is equally sharp." Although Price’s representatives were unable to attend the meeting, Salita emphasized that discussions are still active.
"Unfortunately they couldn't make it, but the conversation continues and we remain committed to making this bout a reality." In addition to the Price matchup, Shields has been linked to other high‑profile opponents. One possibility is a fight with WBO and IBF middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault. Another is a bout against fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is currently preparing to face Chantelle Cameron in a unification fight for the super‑welterweight titles in Birmingham on August 29, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Salita noted, "Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that has always been her aim." He added that alternative negotiations are proceeding in case the Price fight does not materialise. "We have a few other conversations happening. We'll make a decision soon, but whatever we choose next, the objective is to create another legacy‑defining moment for Claressa and for boxing as a whole." Shields' recent victory drew a massive crowd to Atlanta's State Farm Arena, with attendance figures swelling thanks to the presence of high‑profile figures from both the sporting and entertainment worlds. Salita remarked that the event's atmosphere was electric, citing calls and messages from major names in hip‑hop, music, and combat sports that kept coming in up to the final bell.
"Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – the list goes on. It was an incredible night in a packed arena, a clear testament to Claressa's star power and the way her influence now extends far beyond the boxing ring." The potential Shields‑Price showdown carries significant narrative weight. Both athletes are Olympic champions – Shields won gold in the middleweight division at the 2012 London Games, while Price captured gold in the welterweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Their meeting would not only be a clash of two elite fighters but also a historic moment that highlights the growing prominence of women's boxing on the global stage. From a technical standpoint, Shields brings a blend of power, speed, and tactical acumen honed over a prolific professional career that includes multiple world titles across different weight classes.
Her aggressive style, characterized by relentless pressure and a high knockout ratio, makes her a formidable opponent for any contender. Price, on the other hand, is known for her disciplined boxing fundamentals, defensive savvy, and sharp counter‑punching – attributes that have served her well in both the amateur and professional arenas.
If the fight is confirmed, promoters are already discussing potential venues, broadcast partners, and pay‑per‑view arrangements that could maximize exposure and revenue. The marketability of a bout featuring two Olympic gold medalists, combined with Shields' rising mainstream appeal, suggests a strong commercial upside. Moreover, the fight could serve as a catalyst for further investment in women's boxing, encouraging networks and sponsors to allocate more resources to female athletes. Fans and analysts alike are speculating about the tactical battle that would unfold.
Shields' aggressive forward movement could test Price's footwork and defensive timing, while Price's ability to control distance and exploit openings could challenge Shields' power game. The contrast in styles promises a compelling narrative that could attract both hardcore boxing enthusiasts and casual viewers. In summary, while negotiations are still in progress and no final contract has been signed, the momentum behind a Shields‑Price showdown appears strong. Salita's public statements indicate a genuine commitment to making the fight happen, and the broader boxing community is watching closely.
Whether the bout ultimately takes place in Atlanta, London, or another major venue, it has the potential to be a landmark event that showcases the talent, determination, and star power of two of women's boxing's most accomplished athletes.