Claressa Shields recently hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could fit into her long‑term agenda, provided she can still achieve her ultimate ambition of hanging up her gloves while still unbeaten. The celebrated multi‑division champion has already been in discussions about a middleweight clash with Britain’s own Lauren Price, another Olympic gold‑medalist. However, if negotiations with Price fall through, Shields indicated she would gladly turn her attention to Mayer, who is currently preparing for a super‑welterweight title unification bout against Chantelle Cameron this Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports. "Anything is possible," Shields told Sky Sports.
"I dropped down in weight specifically to take on Kaye Scott, and my plan was always to line up a big showdown with Olympic champions – me and Lauren Price. If that fight can’t happen, I’d love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." She went on to explain her reasoning, noting Mayer’s recent move up to the 154‑pound division: "I know she came from a lighter class and is now fighting at 154 lb, but I still believe my skill set gives me the edge. I’m quicker, and while we share a similar amount of experience, I have the advantage of having fought in two Olympic gold‑medal matches – something she hasn’t yet experienced." Shields’ confidence is rooted in an impressive record.
She recently secured a third middleweight world title by decisively stopping Kaye Scott, marking her 19th consecutive professional victory and preserving an unblemished record. The win was witnessed by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who, after retiring with a perfect 50‑win career, watched from ringside. Shields says she aspires to emulate Mayweather’s flawless legacy, aiming to retire without a single loss.
"I had the biggest names there. I sold the arena out.
It was insane," Shields said after the fight. "I put on a great performance.
I’ve been building my career to this point, so I’m happy. I believe that I can retire undefeated – that’s my goal. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach 50 fights, but 30 would be a fantastic milestone for me." Mayer, meanwhile, remains laser‑focused on her upcoming fight with Cameron, but she openly acknowledges that both Shields and Price are still on her wish list. "Obviously, I would love to get the fight with Lauren Price," Mayer told Sky Sports.
"Claressa Shields and I have talked about possibly meeting at 160 lb, which I would love to do. In a perfect world, I’d line up all three of those fights back‑to‑back and then sail away into the sunset." The potential Shields‑Mayer clash would be a compelling narrative for boxing fans. Mayer, a former world champion herself, has proven her resilience and technical ability across multiple weight classes. Her recent victories have positioned her as a top contender in the super‑welterweight division, and a fight against Shields would test both athletes at the pinnacle of their abilities.
While Shields boasts an undefeated streak and a reputation for power and speed, Mayer brings a blend of agility, ring IQ, and a relentless work ethic that could make for an electrifying encounter. If the Shields‑Price fight does not materialize, the boxing world may see a strategic pivot toward Mayer. Both fighters have expressed mutual respect and a willingness to negotiate terms that would satisfy their respective career goals.
Shields’ desire to maintain her perfect record aligns with Mayer’s ambition to secure high‑profile match‑ups that could elevate her legacy. Beyond the immediate fight prospects, the broader boxing schedule for 2026 promises several marquee events.
Fans can anticipate a packed calendar featuring title defenses, unification bouts, and emerging talent making their mark. Platforms like NOW offer contract‑free streaming for boxing enthusiasts, while Sky Sports continues to provide live coverage of major fights, including the upcoming Mayer‑Cameron showdown. For those interested in deeper analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights, the Toe2Toe podcast releases weekly episodes discussing tactics, fighter mindsets, and upcoming fight predictions. Meanwhile, highlight reels and fight compilations are readily available for viewers who want to relive the most thrilling moments from recent bouts.
In summary, Claressa Shields remains steadfast in her pursuit of an undefeated retirement, with potential opponents ranging from Olympic champion Lauren Price to rising star Mikaela Mayer. While negotiations are ongoing, the boxing community watches eagerly, aware that any of these match‑ups could produce historic moments. Whether Shields ultimately faces Price, Mayer, or another contender, her confidence—"I beat everybody. It doesn’t matter who you put in the ring with me, I beat them"—underscores a career defined by ambition, skill, and an unrelenting drive to remain unbeaten.