Claressa Shields recently hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could feature in her future fight schedule, even as she remains focused on achieving her ultimate ambition: retiring without a single loss on her record. The American multi‑division champion has been in negotiations for a middle‑weight showdown with British Olympic gold‑medalist Lauren Price, but she has left the door open for other high‑profile opponents should that deal fall through. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Shields explained that she had deliberately cut down to a lower weight class to face Kaye Scott, and that her longer‑term plan includes a "big showdown" with fellow Olympic champions, specifically naming Lauren Price as a dream opponent.
"If the fight with Lauren Price can't happen, I would love to get in the ring with Mikaela Mayer," she said, emphasizing that she is willing to adapt her weight to make the matchup possible. Shields highlighted Mayer's recent move up to the 154‑pound super‑welterweight division, noting that despite the change, she believes her own skill set remains superior. "I know she came from a smaller weight class and now she's at 154 lb, but my skills are still better than hers.
I'm still faster, 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," Shields asserted confidently. The conversation also touched on the broader boxing calendar for 2026, with promoters and broadcasters teasing a series of marquee events. Fans can look forward to a contract‑free streaming option via NOW, weekly episodes of the Toe2Toe podcast, and a curated selection of top‑tier boxing highlights.
Shields summed up her competitive mindset with a bold statement: "I beat everybody. It doesn't matter who you put in the ring with – Claressa versus anyone, I win." Mayer, meanwhile, remains laser‑focused on her upcoming unification fight against Chantelle Cameron, scheduled for Saturday and set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that both Shields and Price occupy spots on her personal wish list. "Obviously, I would love to get the fight with Lauren Price," Mayer told Sky Sports.
"Claressa Shields and I have discussed the possibility of meeting at 160 lb, which is something I'd be thrilled 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." Shields' recent performance against Kaye Scott reinforced her dominance in the middle‑weight division.
By stopping Scott decisively, she secured her third middle‑weight world title and marked her 19th consecutive professional victory, maintaining an unblemished record. Notably, former champion Floyd Mayweather, who retired after a flawless 50‑win career, was present ringside, underscoring the significance of the event. Shields expressed admiration for Mayweather's legacy and hinted that she aspires to emulate his undefeated trajectory.
"I had the biggest names there. I sold the arena out. It was insane," Shields reflected 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 solid achievement for me." Beyond the immediate fight talk, the broader context of women's boxing continues to evolve.
Both Shields and Mayer have become ambassadors for the sport, drawing attention to the depth of talent across weight classes and the increasing commercial viability of women's bouts. Their potential clash would not only be a high‑stakes contest between two elite athletes but also a showcase for the growing fan base that follows women's boxing with enthusiasm comparable to the men's divisions. Looking ahead, the upcoming Saturday night card promises additional excitement, featuring not only the Mayer‑Cameron unification bout but also a performance by rising star Caroline Dubois. Sky Sports will broadcast the entire event, offering viewers the option to subscribe or stream without a long‑term contract.
This accessibility aligns with the sport's push toward broader audience reach, ensuring that fans can tune in via multiple platforms. In summary, while Shields' primary target remains a middle‑weight clash with Lauren Price, she remains open to negotiating a fight with Mikaela Mayer should circumstances change. Both fighters have expressed mutual respect and a willingness to meet at a higher weight, indicating that a future showdown is plausible.
As Shields continues her quest to retire undefeated, each potential opponent adds another layer of intrigue to her already storied career, and fans can anticipate further developments as negotiations progress and upcoming fights unfold.