Claressa Shields recently hinted that a bout with American contender Mikaela Mayer could fit into her long‑term strategy, especially if she does not achieve her ultimate aim of hanging up her gloves with a flawless record. The three‑division world champion has been in negotiations for a middle‑weight showdown with fellow Olympic gold‑medalist Lauren Price of Great Britain. However, should that fight fall through, Shields indicated she would be eager to shift her focus to Mayer, who is currently preparing for a super‑welterweight unification clash against Chantelle Cameron on Saturday, an event 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 target is to face an Olympic champion – ideally Lauren Price. If that matchup can’t be arranged, I would love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." She went on to explain her reasoning, noting 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’m still faster, and while we have comparable experience, I have the advantage of having fought in two Olympic gold‑medal bouts, something she hasn’t experienced," Shields said.
The conversation about future opponents comes at a time when Shields is riding a wave of momentum. Earlier this month she captured her third middle‑weight world title by delivering a decisive stoppage to Kay Scott, marking her 19th consecutive professional victory and preserving her unbeaten status.
The triumph was witnessed by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who has retired with a perfect 50‑win record, and Shields expressed admiration for his achievement, hoping to emulate his spotless career. "I had the biggest names there. I sold the arena out.
It was insane," Shields recalled after the fight. "I put on a great performance.
I’ve been building my career to this point, so I’m happy. I believe 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 sit high on her wish list.
"Obviously I would love to get a fight with Lauren Price," Mayer told Sky Sports. "Claressa and I have talked about a possible bout at 160 pounds, which I would love to do. In a perfect world I would line up those three fights back‑to‑back and then sail off into the sunset." The potential Shields‑Mayer clash would be a meeting of two fighters who have each carved out impressive resumes in the women's game.
Shields, a two‑time Olympic gold‑medalist herself, has become synonymous with dominance across multiple weight classes, while Mayer, a former world champion at lightweight, has proven her resilience by moving up in weight and continuing to contend with elite opposition. Both athletes share a reputation for technical proficiency, power, and a relentless work ethic, making any future encounter an instant classic for fans.
If the Shields‑Price bout does not materialize, the boxing community will likely turn its attention to the logistics of a Shields‑Mayer fight. Negotiations would have to address weight‑class considerations, as Mayer is currently competing at super‑welterweight (154 pounds) while Shields has been campaigning at middleweight (160 pounds). The two fighters have already discussed the possibility of meeting at 160 pounds, a weight that would allow Shields to stay in her natural division while giving Mayer a chance to test herself against a larger opponent. Beyond the immediate matchmaking intrigue, Shields’ broader ambition to retire undefeated adds a strategic layer to her opponent selection.
By carefully choosing opponents who present both a challenge and a realistic path to victory, she hopes to extend her unbeaten streak while still delivering high‑profile fights that draw fan interest and pay‑day revenue. This approach mirrors the career management strategies employed by some of the sport’s most celebrated figures, including Mayweather, who famously curated his opposition to protect his perfect record. The upcoming Saturday card, featuring Mayer versus Cameron, also includes British rising star Caroline Dubois, providing a full night of high‑stakes women’s boxing on Sky Sports. Viewers can tune in via the Sky Sports subscription service or stream the event through a contract‑free boxing platform, ensuring broad accessibility for fans worldwide.
In summary, Claressa Shields is keeping her options open as she pursues a historic, undefeated retirement. While a showdown with Olympic champion Lauren Price remains a top priority, the American fighter Mikaela Mayer has emerged as a viable alternative should the Price fight not come to fruition. Both athletes have expressed genuine interest in a potential bout, and the boxing world eagerly awaits further developments.
As the sport continues to grow, matchups like Shields versus Mayer could become defining moments, showcasing the depth of talent and the competitive spirit that drive women’s boxing forward.