Claressa Shields hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could feature in her future plans if she does not achieve her ultimate ambition of hanging up her gloves with an unblemished record. The multi‑division champion has been in discussions about a middleweight showdown with fellow Olympic gold‑medalist Lauren Price of Great Britain.
However, if that fight does not materialise, Shields said she would gladly turn her attention to Mayer, who is currently preparing for a super‑welterweight unification clash against Chantelle Cameron on Saturday, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. "Anything is possible," Shields told Sky Sports. "I dropped down in weight specifically to take on Kay Scott, and my next big goal is to line up a fight with an Olympic champion – either Lauren Price or someone of her calibre. If the Price fight can't happen, I'd love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." She added that although Mayer has moved up from a lighter division to fight at 154 pounds, Shields believes her own skill set still gives her the edge.
"I think my speed is still superior, and while we have comparable experience, I have the advantage of having fought in two Olympic gold‑medal matches, something she hasn't done," Shields explained. The conversation then shifted to the broader boxing calendar.
The article noted upcoming events such as the 2026 boxing schedule, streaming options via NOW, the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, and a roundup of the best highlights and videos in the sport. Shields summed up her confidence with a bold statement: "I beat everybody.
No matter who you put in the ring with me, I come out on top." Mayer, for her part, remains laser‑focused on her upcoming fight with Cameron but acknowledged that both Shields and Price are on her wish list. "I would love a fight with Lauren Price," Mayer said to Sky Sports. "Claressa and I have talked about a possible bout at 160 pounds, and that would be amazing.
In an ideal world, I could line up all three fights back‑to‑back and then retire on a high note." The background to these potential match‑ups is significant. Shields secured her third middleweight world title after a decisive stoppage of Kay Scott earlier this month, marking her 19th consecutive professional victory without a single loss. The fight attracted the attention of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who was ringside after retiring with a perfect 50‑win record.
Shields expressed admiration for Mayweather's achievement and said she aspires to emulate his unbeaten legacy. "The arena was sold out, the atmosphere was electric," Shields recalled.
"I delivered a great performance and I'm building my career toward that ultimate goal – retiring undefeated. I may never reach 50 fights, but hitting 30 wins with zero defeats would be a huge milestone for me." Mayer’s upcoming clash with Cameron is set to be a high‑stakes encounter, with both fighters aiming to unify the super‑welterweight titles. The event will also feature Caroline Dubois, adding further intrigue for boxing fans.
Viewers can watch the fight live on Sky Sports or stream it without a contract through various boxing‑focused platforms. Beyond the immediate fight cards, the narrative surrounding Shields and Mayer reflects a broader theme in women's boxing: the pursuit of historic match‑ups that pit the sport's most decorated athletes against each other.
Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold‑medalist and three‑division world champion, has consistently sought opponents who can elevate her legacy. Mayer, a former world champion herself, has risen through the ranks with a blend of speed, power, and technical skill, making her a compelling opponent for any elite fighter. If Shields does indeed move forward with a bout against Mayer, it would likely be contested at a catch‑weight around 160 pounds, a division where both athletes have demonstrated comfort and success.
Such a fight would not only provide a marquee event for promoters and broadcasters but also serve as a showcase of the depth of talent in women's boxing, inspiring the next generation of fighters. In summary, while the exact opponent for Claressa Shields' next fight remains undecided, the possibility of a showdown with Mikaela Mayer is now on the table. Both fighters have expressed mutual respect and a desire to test themselves against each other, setting the stage for a potential clash that could become a landmark moment in the sport. The upcoming Saturday fight between Mayer and Cameron will be a crucial stepping stone, and fans can anticipate further developments as negotiations continue and the boxing calendar unfolds.