Negotiations are still in progress for a potential 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 with a decisive sixth‑round stoppage of Kaye Scott, adding a third middle‑weight world crown to her already impressive résumé. The victory not only reaffirmed her dominance in the division but also sparked fresh speculation about her next opponent, with unified welterweight champion Lauren Price emerging as a leading candidate.
Price, who holds multiple welterweight titles and boasts an Olympic gold medal, would provide a high‑profile opponent for Shields. Both fighters share the distinction of being Olympic gold‑medalists, a rarity that adds a compelling narrative to a potential showdown.
Dmitriy Salita, the promoter behind Shields, has publicly expressed his desire to lock in the fight as soon as possible. "We’re working on it as we speak," Salita told Sky Sports, emphasizing that his team has already met the requests put forward by Price’s promotional group, BOXXER, and her management.
Salita explained that he invited Price and her team to a face‑to‑face meeting to iron out any remaining details. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the relationship he maintains with the fighters he promotes, noting that both Shields and Price are seasoned professionals who understand the business side of boxing.
"I wanted Lauren and Claressa to have an opportunity to sit down together and see if there was anything outstanding. Claressa is extremely intelligent and very experienced in making big fights, and I’m sure Lauren is sharp as well," he said.
Although the meeting did not result in an immediate agreement, Salita confirmed that talks are still underway and that his primary objective remains to make the fight happen. He added that if the Price bout does not materialise, other options are already being explored.
Among those alternatives are a potential fight with WBO and IBF middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault or a matchup against fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is slated to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified super‑welterweight title fight 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 asserted. He stressed that any future opponent would need to meet the high standards that Shields sets for herself and her career.
"There are a few other conversations taking place in case the Lauren Price fight doesn’t come together. 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 Shields‑Scott bout drew a massive crowd to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, underscoring Shields’ growing appeal beyond the traditional boxing fan base. Salita noted that the event attracted attention from prominent figures in music, hip‑hop, and other areas of popular culture. "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.
Names such as Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, and Terence Crawford were mentioned, illustrating the crossover appeal that Shields now enjoys. The atmosphere inside the arena was described as electric, a testament to Shields’ star power and the increasing mainstream visibility of women’s boxing.
Salita believes that this heightened exposure benefits not only Shields but also the sport as a whole, helping to attract new fans and sponsors. He pointed out that the buzz generated by the event reflects a broader trend: women's boxing is moving from the margins to the center of major sporting conversations, with athletes like Shields leading the charge.
In addition to the promotional and commercial aspects, both fighters bring compelling personal stories to the table. Shields, a three‑time Olympic gold medalist, has overcome numerous obstacles throughout her career, including injuries and the challenges of navigating a male‑dominated sport. Price, also an Olympic champion, made history by winning gold for Great Britain at the Tokyo Games, becoming the first British woman to claim an Olympic boxing title. A bout between these two would not only be a clash of skill but also a celebration of their shared heritage as trailblazers for women in the sport.
If the fight does go ahead, logistics such as venue, broadcast rights, and purse distribution will need to be finalized. Salita hinted that his team is prepared to meet Price’s promotional demands, which could include a favorable split of the fight’s revenue and assurances about the event’s location to maximise fan attendance.
The promoter also emphasized the importance of a neutral, high‑profile setting that would accommodate both fighters’ fan bases and generate maximum media coverage. Looking ahead, the boxing calendar for 2026 is already shaping up with several marquee events. Salita’s reference to the "Boxing schedule 2026: When are the big fights?" suggests that the Shields‑Price showdown could become a centerpiece of that year’s lineup, potentially headlining a pay‑per‑view or a major streaming platform. The growing popularity of digital streaming services, such as NOW, offers additional avenues for reaching a global audience, further enhancing the fight’s commercial potential.
In summary, while negotiations are still ongoing and no final contract has been signed, the momentum behind a Shields versus Price matchup is strong. Both promoters have expressed a clear intent to make the fight happen, and the broader boxing community is eagerly anticipating what could become one of the most significant women’s bouts of the decade. Whether the fight materialises or an alternative opponent is secured, Claressa Shields is poised to continue building her legacy, while Lauren Price remains a top contender ready to step onto the biggest stage.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the final outcome of these talks, and fans worldwide are watching closely for any official announcements.