Negotiations are still underway for a potential clash between Claressa Shields and Lauren Price, following the American champion's triumphant recapture of two world middle‑weight 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 championship to her already impressive résumé. Lauren Price, who currently holds the unified welterweight crowns, has emerged as the most likely candidate to step into the ring with Shields. Dmitriy Salita, the promoter who manages Shields, has expressed a strong desire to lock in a fight that would pit two Olympic gold‑medalists against each other.
"We are 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 put forward by Price’s promotional outfit, BOXXER, and by Lauren’s team." Salita emphasized the collaborative nature of the talks, noting that he invited both camps to sit down together to clear up any remaining issues. "My relationship with the fighters I promote – especially Claressa – is built on transparency.
They know the moving parts and act as business partners in these decisions," he explained. "Both Claressa and Lauren are sharp, experienced, and fully aware of what it takes to put together a marquee event." While the meeting did not happen as planned, Salita confirmed that dialogue is ongoing and that the goal remains unchanged: to bring the two champions together in the ring. In addition to the Price matchup, Shields has also been linked to other high‑profile opponents. The WBO and IBF middle‑weight champion Tamm Thibeault is one name that has surfaced, as is fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who is slated to face Chantelle Cameron in a unified super‑welterweight title bout 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 said. "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 boxing as a whole." Shields’ recent victory attracted a massive audience to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, drawing not only boxing fans but also prominent figures from music and popular culture.
Salita noted that the event’s reach extended far beyond the sport itself. "We were receiving calls and messages from some of the biggest names in hip‑hop, music, boxing and broader culture right up until the final bell," he recalled.
"Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – the list goes on. The atmosphere was electric, a true testament to Claressa’s star power and how her influence now stretches well beyond the squared circle." The prospect of a Shields‑Price showdown carries significant intrigue for several reasons. Both athletes are Olympic gold‑medalists – Shields won gold in the middleweight division at the 2012 London Games and repeated the feat in 2016, while Price captured gold in the welterweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Their shared Olympic pedigree adds a layer of national pride and historical significance that could attract a global audience. From a stylistic perspective, the fight promises an exciting contrast. Shields is renowned for her relentless pressure, powerful jab, and ability to dominate the centre of the ring, while Price is celebrated for her technical precision, footwork, and counter‑punching acumen.
Analysts predict a tactical battle where Shields will look to impose her physicality, whereas Price will aim to exploit timing and angles. Financially, a bout between two marketable champions could generate substantial pay‑per‑view revenue and attract major sponsorships. Salita has hinted that the promotional terms have been largely settled, suggesting that the remaining hurdles are likely logistical – venue selection, broadcast rights, and final contract signatures.
Should the fight fall through, the alternative match‑ups being explored still promise high‑quality boxing. A clash with Tamm Thibeault would pit Shields against a technically sound, south‑paw champion, offering a classic orthodox‑vs‑south‑paw dynamic. Meanwhile, a fight with Mikaela Mayer would create a compelling American rivalry, pitting two of the United States’ most decorated female fighters against each other.
Regardless of the final opponent, Salita’s overarching vision remains consistent: to elevate women’s boxing to the same mainstream prominence enjoyed by the men’s divisions. He believes that Shields, with her charismatic presence and proven ability to draw crowds, is the ideal ambassador to lead that charge.
"The response we got in Atlanta – from fans, from musicians, from fellow athletes – shows that we are on the cusp of something bigger," Salita said. "Our job is to harness that momentum and deliver fights that not only entertain but also inspire the next generation of boxers." In summary, while negotiations between Shields and Price are still in progress, the groundwork appears solid, with both promotional teams reportedly on the same page regarding financial and logistical demands.
The boxing world awaits confirmation, hoping that the two Olympic champions will soon meet in a bout that could redefine the landscape of women’s boxing and cement both athletes’ legacies as pioneers of the sport.