Claressa Shields recently hinted that a bout with Mikaela Mayer could fit into her long‑term strategy, especially if she doesn’t achieve her ultimate ambition of hanging up the gloves with an unblemished record. The American multi‑division champion has been actively negotiating a middle‑weight showdown with Britain’s Lauren Price, another Olympic gold‑medalist, but the fight remains tentative. Should the Price matchup fail to materialise, Shields indicated she would gladly turn her attention to Mayer, who is currently preparing for a super‑welterweight title unification clash against Chantelle Cameron on Saturday, a fight that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"Anything is possible," Shields told Sky Sports. "I dropped down in weight specifically to take on Kayla Scott, and my next goal is to line up a marquee clash with an Olympic champion – ideally Lauren Price. If that doesn’t happen, I’d love to step into the ring with Mikaela Mayer." Shields emphasized her confidence in the matchup, noting that Mayer has moved up from a lighter division to fight at 154 pounds, yet Shields believes her own skill set still surpasses Mayer’s. "I’m quicker, I have more experience at the highest level, and I’ve fought in two Olympic gold‑medal matches, something she hasn’t done," she asserted.
"I’ve beaten everyone I’ve faced, regardless of their name or reputation." Mayer, meanwhile, remains focused on her upcoming bout with Cameron but openly acknowledges that both Shields and Price are on her wish list. "I’d love to fight Lauren Price," Mayer said to Sky Sports. "Claressa and I have talked about a possible fight at 160 pounds, and that would be a dream for me.
In an ideal world I’d line up those three fights back‑to‑back and then retire on a high note." The context of these potential matchups is set against Shields’ recent achievement of capturing a third middle‑weight world title after a dominant stoppage of Kayla Scott earlier this month. That victory marked her 19th consecutive professional win, extending her unbeaten streak and reinforcing her ambition to retire without a loss. Shields drew inspiration from Floyd Mayweather’s 50‑win career, noting that Mayweather retired after a perfect record and that she hopes to emulate that legacy, even if she never reaches 50 fights. "I think I can retire undefeated – that’s my goal," she explained.
"I don’t know if I’ll ever get to 50 fights, but 30 would be a great milestone for me." The upcoming Saturday card promises a night of high‑stakes boxing. In addition to the Cameron‑vs‑Mayer unification bout, British rising star Caroline Dubois will also appear on the Sky Sports lineup, offering fans a full evening of elite competition. Viewers can access the event via a Sky Sports subscription or through a contract‑free streaming service that offers boxing without long‑term commitments. Beyond the immediate fight schedule, Shields’ comments reflect a broader narrative in women’s boxing: the pursuit of legacy, the strategic navigation of weight classes, and the desire to match the fame and financial success of the sport’s male counterparts.
By targeting opponents like Mayer and Price—both Olympic gold medalists—Shields is positioning herself not only as a champion in the ring but also as a marquee name capable of drawing global audiences. Mayer’s own career trajectory mirrors this ambition. After a successful amateur stint, she turned professional and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a shot at the undisputed super‑welterweight titles.
Her willingness to discuss future fights at 160 pounds shows a flexibility that could open doors to more lucrative matchups, especially if she continues to defeat top‑ranked opponents like Cameron. The potential Shields‑Mayer clash would be a historic meeting of two of the sport’s most decorated athletes.
Shields brings a record of 19‑0 with multiple world titles across three weight divisions, while Mayer boasts an undefeated professional record and a reputation for relentless pressure and technical precision. A fight between them would likely be contested at a catch‑weight around 154‑160 pounds, a range that accommodates both fighters’ recent weight moves.
If the Shields‑Price fight does not come to fruition—perhaps due to promotional hurdles, scheduling conflicts, or contractual issues—Shields has already signaled her readiness to pivot. Her confidence in her speed, experience, and Olympic pedigree suggests she believes she can adapt to any opponent, regardless of size or style. This mindset is reminiscent of legendary fighters who have successfully navigated multiple weight classes while maintaining dominance.
In summary, Claressa Shields is actively shaping the next phase of her career, keeping her options open for high‑profile fights with either Lauren Price or Mikaela Mayer. While she continues to chase the dream of retiring undefeated, she remains pragmatic, acknowledging that the boxing landscape can shift quickly. For fans, the upcoming Saturday night on Sky Sports offers a glimpse into the future of women’s boxing, with potential dream matchups on the horizon and a clear indication that the sport’s biggest stars are still hungry for new challenges and historic moments.