Claressa Shields has hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could be part of her long‑term agenda, even as she pursues the ultimate aim of hanging up her gloves with an unblemished record. The American multi‑division champion has already been in negotiations for a middle‑weight clash with British Olympic gold‑medalist Lauren Price.
However, if that fight does not materialise, Shields says she would gladly turn her attention to Mayer, who is currently preparing for a super‑welterweight title unification 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 face Kaye Scott, and my plan was always to line up a big showdown with an Olympic champion – me and Lauren Price. If a fight with Lauren can’t happen, I would love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." She added that despite Mayer’s move up from a lighter division to 154 pounds, Shields believes her own skill set remains superior. "I’m still faster, and while we have comparable experience, I have the edge of having fought in two Olympic gold‑medal bouts, which she hasn’t," Shields explained. The conversation about future opponents comes amid a busy boxing calendar for 2026, with major fights being scheduled across multiple weight classes.
Fans can follow the action via the NOW streaming platform, which offers contract‑free boxing coverage, and stay updated by tuning into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for insider analysis and highlights. When asked about her confidence, Shields was unapologetically bold: "I beat everybody. No matter who you put in the ring with me – Claressa versus anyone – I win." Mayer, for her part, remains focused on her immediate challenge against Cameron but acknowledges that both Shields and Price are high on her wish list.
"Obviously I’d love a fight with Lauren Price," she told Sky Sports. "Claressa and I have discussed the possibility of meeting at 160 pounds, and that would be a dream.
In an ideal world I’d line up all three fights back‑to‑back and then sail off into the sunset." Shields recently secured her third middle‑weight world title by stopping Kaye Scott in dominant fashion, marking her 19th consecutive professional victory without a loss. The bout was attended by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who retired after a perfect 50‑win career, and Shields hopes to emulate his flawless record. "I had the biggest names there, sold out the arena – it was insane," she said.
"I delivered a great performance. I’ve been building toward this moment, and I’m thrilled. My goal is to retire undefeated.
I don’t know if I’ll ever reach 50 fights, but 30 would be a fantastic milestone for me." Mayer’s upcoming fight with Cameron promises to be a high‑octane encounter, with fellow British prospect Caroline Dubois also on the card, all slated for Sky Sports’ live broadcast. Viewers can also stream the event without a contract through Sky Sports’ online platform. Looking ahead, Shields’ strategic approach to her career is evident. She has deliberately moved between weight classes to test herself against a variety of opponents, from the lighter divisions where she first made a name for herself to the middle‑weight ranks where she now dominates.
Her willingness to consider a 160‑pound showdown with Mayer reflects both her confidence and her desire to cement her legacy across multiple categories. Mayer, meanwhile, is no stranger to ambition.
Having risen rapidly through the ranks, she has already claimed a world title at super‑welterweight and is eager to prove herself against the sport’s elite. A potential fight with Shields would not only be a test of skill but also a clash of two athletes who have each spoken openly about their aspirations to retire on top. Both fighters share a common narrative: they are driven by the pursuit of perfection and the desire to leave the sport with a story of dominance. Shields’ emphasis on maintaining an undefeated record mirrors the historic achievements of Mayweather, while Mayer’s goal of securing multiple high‑profile fights in quick succession underscores her hunger for legacy‑building opportunities.
Should a Shields‑Mayer bout be confirmed, it would likely draw significant attention from boxing fans worldwide, offering a compelling storyline of two champions from different weight backgrounds meeting at a catch‑weight. The logistical challenges of arranging such a fight—particularly regarding weight limits, sanctioning bodies, and promotional agreements—are substantial, but the potential payoff in terms of viewership and revenue could be immense. In the meantime, fans can keep an eye on the upcoming Sky Sports event, where Mayer will aim to defeat Cameron and further cement her status as a top contender.
Meanwhile, Shields will continue to assess her options, weighing the prospects of a clash with Price against the allure of a showdown with Mayer. Both scenarios promise exciting possibilities for the sport and underscore the dynamic, ever‑evolving landscape of women’s boxing.