Negotiations are still underway to line up a clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price, following the American champion's dramatic recapture of two middle‑weight world titles on Saturday. Shields reclaimed the WBC and WBA belts by stopping Kaye Scott in the sixth round, a decisive victory that marked her third reign as a middle‑weight world champion. The win has reignited talk of a showdown with Price, the unified welterweight champion, and Shields' promoter Dmitriy Salita says he is eager to lock down the terms for a fight 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 every request from Price’s promotional outfit, BOXXER, and from Lauren’s camp." Salita explained that he invited Price and her team to sit down with Shields because of the close, business‑oriented relationships he maintains with the fighters he promotes. "My relationship with the athletes I work with—especially Claressa—is built on transparency. They know the moving parts, and they are partners in the decision‑making process," he said.
"I wanted both women to meet face‑to‑face to clear up any remaining issues. Claressa is incredibly savvy and has a wealth of experience negotiating high‑profile bouts, and I have no doubt Lauren brings the same sharpness to the table." While the meeting between the two camps did not happen as planned, Salita emphasized that talks are still active. "Unfortunately they weren’t able to make it, but the conversation continues and we remain committed to making this fight a reality," 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 middle‑weight champion Tamm Thibeault, while another possibility is a bout with fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is scheduled 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. "Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear," Salita noted.
"We have a few other conversations in the wings in case the Lauren Price fight doesn’t materialise. We'll make a decision soon, but whatever comes next, the aim is to create another legacy‑building moment for Claressa and for the sport of 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 figures in both boxing and popular culture.
Salita remarked that the reach of Shields' brand now extends far beyond the ropes. "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 said. "Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – the list goes on.
The atmosphere was electric. It was a special night in a packed arena and a real reflection of Claressa’s star power and how far her reach has grown beyond boxing." The prospect of a Shields‑Price encounter is especially tantalising for fans because both athletes share a rare pedigree: each is an Olympic gold‑medal winner, and both have transitioned successfully to the professional ranks.
Shields, who first burst onto the scene with a gold medal at the 2012 London Games, has built a reputation for relentless pressure, powerful body work, and a high‑octane fighting style that overwhelms opponents. Price, who captured gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is known for her technical precision, disciplined footwork, and a sharp jab that has dismantled many seasoned contenders. If the two were to meet, the fight would likely be billed as a clash of contrasting styles – Shields' aggressive, forward‑pressing approach versus Price's methodical, counter‑punching tactics.
Analysts predict a compelling tactical battle, with each fighter needing to impose her own rhythm to gain the upper hand. The stakes are high not only for the athletes' individual legacies but also for the broader narrative of women's boxing, which continues to gain mainstream attention and commercial viability.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the negotiations highlight a growing trend in boxing promotion: the emphasis on creating marquee events that draw cross‑over audiences. Salita’s comments about the involvement of music and entertainment personalities underscore the sport’s expanding cultural footprint. By aligning a fight with high‑profile names from outside the traditional boxing world, promoters aim to attract viewers who might not otherwise tune in, thereby increasing pay‑per‑view buys, sponsorship opportunities, and overall visibility for the athletes.
The timeline for finalising the Shields‑Price bout remains uncertain. While Salita insists that both camps have addressed each other's demands, logistical considerations such as venue selection, broadcast rights, and purse distribution still need to be ironed out.
Potential venues being floated include major arenas in the United States, the United Kingdom, and even a neutral location that could maximise ticket sales and international viewership. In the meantime, Shields will likely continue to defend her newly reclaimed titles, while Price may seek additional fights to stay active and maintain her ranking.
Both fighters have expressed a desire to keep fighting at the highest level, and their shared ambition to headline a historic event could serve as a catalyst for accelerated negotiations. Ultimately, the outcome of these talks will shape the next chapter in women's boxing.
A successful Shields‑Price showdown would not only deliver a compelling sporting spectacle but also reinforce the marketability of female fighters and encourage further investment in the women's game. As the dialogue progresses, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely, hoping that the two Olympic champions will finally step into the ring together and deliver a fight that lives up to the hype.