Claressa Shields recently hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could feature in her long‑term agenda, even as she pursues her ultimate ambition of hanging up her gloves with an unblemished record. The American multi‑division champion has already been negotiating a middleweight showdown with fellow Olympic gold‑medalist Lauren Price of Great Britain. However, if that fight does not materialize, Shields indicated she would gladly turn her attention to Mayer, who is currently preparing for a super‑welterweight unification clash against Chantelle Cameron on Saturday, a fight that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. "Anything can happen," Shields told Sky Sports.
"I cut down to this weight class specifically to take on Kaye Scott, and my next big goal is to line up a marquee fight with an Olympic champion—someone like Lauren Price. If that matchup falls through, I would love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." She went on to explain why she feels confident despite Mayer’s recent move up to the 154‑pound division. "I know she came up from a lighter weight, but my skill set still outmatches hers.
I’m quicker, and while we share a similar amount of experience, I have the edge of having fought in two Olympic gold‑medal matches, something she hasn’t experienced." The conversation about potential opponents underscores Shields’ broader strategy: to remain active across weight classes while protecting her perfect professional record. After a decisive stoppage of Kaye Scott earlier this month, Shields secured her third middleweight world title and notched her 19th consecutive win, all without a single loss.
The victory was witnessed by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who had retired after a 50‑win career, and Shields said she aspires to emulate his flawless legacy. "I had the biggest names there. I sold the arena out.
It was insane," Shields said of the event. "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 don’t know if I’ll ever reach 50 fights, but hitting 30 would be a fantastic milestone for me." Mayer, for her part, remains laser‑focused on her upcoming fight with Cameron, but she openly acknowledges that both Shields and Price sit on her wish list. "Obviously I’d love to get a fight with Lauren Price," Mayer told Sky Sports. "Claressa and I have discussed the possibility of meeting at 160 pounds, which is something I’d be excited about. In an ideal scenario, I’d line up those three fights back‑to‑back and then ride off into the sunset." Both fighters recognize the marketability of a potential Shields‑Mayer clash.
Shields boasts a reputation for dominating opponents across multiple divisions, while Mayer brings a fast‑paced, technically refined style honed from her time at lighter weights. Their contrasting approaches—Shields’ power and experience versus Mayer’s speed and adaptability—could produce a compelling narrative for fans worldwide. Beyond the immediate matchmaking talk, the broader boxing calendar for 2026 promises a slew of high‑profile events. Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to major fights, and podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis for enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports continues to be a primary broadcaster for marquee bouts, including the upcoming Mayer‑Cameron unification fight, which also features rising star Caroline Dubois. The prospect of Shields versus Mayer also raises strategic considerations regarding weight classes. Shields has already proven she can comfortably make the middleweight limit after dropping down to defeat Kaye Scott.
Mayer, on the other hand, has successfully transitioned to the super‑welterweight division, showing she can carry her speed and power up to 154 pounds. A meeting at 160 pounds, as discussed, would be a middle ground that could accommodate both athletes without compromising performance. If the Shields‑Price bout remains elusive, the boxing world may see a high‑stakes encounter between Shields and Mayer later in the year, potentially as part of a multi‑fight series that also includes a title defense against Price. Such a series would not only satisfy fans’ desire for elite competition but also provide Shields with the opportunity to further cement her legacy as an undefeated champion.
In summary, Claressa Shields is keeping her options open and actively scouting future opponents, with Mikaela Mayer emerging as a top candidate should negotiations with Lauren Price stall. Both fighters have expressed mutual interest, and the boxing community eagerly anticipates how these discussions will evolve. Whether the clash happens at 154, 160, or another weight, the potential showdown promises to be a defining moment in both athletes’ careers, adding another chapter to Shields’ quest for an untarnished record and Mayer’s ambition to conquer the sport’s elite.