Claressa Shields recently hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could fit into her long‑term strategy, provided she can still achieve her overarching ambition of hanging up her gloves with an unblemished record. The multi‑division champion has been in negotiations for a middle‑weight showdown with Britain’s own Olympic gold‑medalist Lauren Price.
However, if that fight does not materialise, Shields says she would gladly turn her attention to Mayer, who is slated to face Chantelle Cameron in a super‑welterweight title unification bout this Saturday on Sky Sports. "Anything is possible," Shields told Sky Sports. "I dropped down in weight specifically to take on Kay Scott, and my ultimate goal is to have a marquee clash with an Olympic champion – either Lauren Price or, if that doesn’t happen, I’d love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." She went on to explain why she believes she holds an edge despite Mayer’s recent move up to the 154‑pound division.
"She’s come up from a lighter weight class, but my skill set is still superior. I’m quicker, and while we have similar experience levels, I’ve fought in two Olympic gold‑medal matches, which she hasn’t," Shields asserted.
The discussion of future opponents comes on the heels of Shields’ recent triumph over Kay Scott, a victory that secured her a third world title at middleweight and marked her 19th consecutive professional win without a single loss. The win was witnessed by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who has retired after a perfect 50‑win career. Shields believes she can follow a similar path by protecting her flawless record.
"I had the biggest names there. I sold the arena out.
It was insane," Shields said after the fight. "I delivered a great performance.
I’ve been building toward this moment for years, and I’m thrilled. My goal is to retire undefeated. I may never reach fifty fights, but thirty would be a fantastic milestone for me." Mayer, meanwhile, remains laser‑focused on her upcoming fight with Cameron, but she openly acknowledges that a clash with Shields or Price sits high on her wish list. "Obviously I’d love to get a fight with Lauren Price," Mayer told Sky Sports.
"Claressa and I have talked about possibly meeting at 160 pounds, and that would be an amazing challenge. In an ideal world I’d line up all three fights back‑to‑back and then ride off into the sunset." Both fighters recognize the commercial and sporting appeal of such match‑ups. A potential Shields‑Mayer fight would pit two Olympic gold‑medalists, each with a distinct style and fan base, against each other in a historic showdown. Shields brings her reputation as a relentless, power‑driven boxer who has dominated multiple weight classes, while Mayer offers a blend of speed, technical precision, and a proven ability to adapt after moving up in weight.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already packed with high‑profile events, and promoters are keen to slot these marquee fights into prime broadcast windows. Sky Sports, which will air the Cameron‑versus‑Mayer unification bout, also holds the rights to many of Shields’ upcoming appearances, making it a logical platform for any future clash between the two American stars.
Beyond the immediate fight talk, Shields’ ambition to retire without a blemish reflects a growing trend among elite boxers who aim to preserve their legacy through careful matchmaking. By selectively choosing opponents and timing her bouts, she hopes to avoid the wear and tear that typically accumulates over long careers. This strategic approach mirrors Mayweather’s own path, where he meticulously curated his opponents to maintain an undefeated streak.
Mayer’s own career trajectory showcases a similar mindset. After securing titles at lighter weights, she has strategically moved up to challenge bigger opponents, demonstrating confidence in her ability to compete at higher weight classes. Her willingness to discuss a 160‑pound fight with Shields indicates a readiness to test her limits and potentially cement her status as one of the sport’s most versatile fighters. Fans can look forward to the upcoming Cameron‑Mayer unification fight this Saturday, which will also feature a bout by rising star Caroline Dubois.
The event promises a night of high‑octane action, and it may serve as a springboard for future negotiations involving Shields, Mayer, and Price. Whether Shields ultimately faces Price, Mayer, or another top contender, her statement remains clear: "I beat everybody. No matter the name on the card, I come out on top." As the boxing world watches, the narrative of an undefeated champion seeking the perfect finale continues to captivate audiences. Shields’ confidence, combined with Mayer’s ambition, sets the stage for a potential clash that could become a defining moment in women’s boxing history.
Until official announcements are made, both athletes will continue to train, promote, and chase their respective dreams of glory, with the promise that any future encounter will be nothing short of spectacular.