The short version
- Claressa Shields stopped Kaye Scott in the sixth round to win the WBA and WBC middleweight titles.
- The victory required a significant 38-pound weight cut from her heavyweight division, marking a historic return to lower-weight competition.
- Shields identified British champion Lauren Price as her preferred next opponent, with other potential matchups also under consideration.
Claressa Shields has returned to the middleweight division as a world champion, capturing the WBA and WBC belts by stopping Australia’s Kaye Scott in Atlanta. The bout, which took place at State Farm Arena early Sunday morning, ended at 1 minute and 38 seconds of the sixth round when Scott’s corner threw in the towel. This victory marks a significant milestone for Shields, who had previously ruled this weight class as an undisputed champion before moving up to light-heavyweight and eventually heavyweight.
The fight showcased a stark contrast in experience and power. Shields, a five-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, controlled the pace from the opening bell. She utilized her hand speed and accuracy to land punches first while effectively evading Scott’s counters. A sustained attack on the body gradually drained the 42-year-old Scott, who entered the professional ranks at age 39 as a decorated amateur nearing the upper age limit for international competition.
Despite the lopsided nature of the contest, Shields approached the fight with caution due to the extreme physical demands of her preparation. She cut an impressive 38 pounds to make the 160-pound middleweight limit, dropping from a starting weight of 198 pounds over a 14-week camp. Shields described the process as the most disciplined she had undertaken since her Olympic days, noting that she was mindful not to exert too much energy early in the fight because she felt less powerful at this lower weight than she does at 175 pounds.
The turning point arrived in the fifth round when Shields began landing heavier blows. In the sixth round, a left hook sent Scott backward into the ropes, causing her to fall and prompting a count. Although Scott rose after the restart, she was unable to defend herself against another barrage of punches, leading her team to end the contest. This stoppage improved Shields’ professional record to 19-0 with four knockouts, while Scott fell to 5-2-1.
This event holds historical significance beyond the immediate result. Shields remains the undisputed heavyweight champion, making her only the second fighter in over 120 years to hold a world title in the heavyweight division while simultaneously winning a belt in a lower weight class. Her promoter highlighted this rare achievement, emphasizing the unique nature of her career trajectory across multiple divisions.
The bout also marked several firsts for the venue and the athlete. It was the first women’s headliner in State Farm Arena history and Shields’ first fight outside of Michigan since 2022. Performing before a crowd of approximately 16,000 spectators, Shields expressed confidence in her ability to draw large audiences, citing Atlanta’s appreciation for Black excellence similar to that found in her hometown of Detroit.
Looking ahead, Shields has identified British Olympic champion Lauren Price as her preferred next opponent at middleweight. She hopes to stage this potential matchup in December or January. However, other possibilities remain on the table. Shields mentioned Mikaela Mayer as another contender and expressed interest in pursuing undisputed status by facing Tammara Thibeault of Canada.
Thibeault recently won the IBF, WBO, and Ring titles in her fifth professional fight in Orlando. Shields acknowledged Thibeault’s lack of experience compared to her own extensive resume but insisted that the Ring belt belongs to her. The decision on who will face Shields next will likely depend on negotiations and scheduling, with Price currently holding the top spot in Shields’ plans for a return to middleweight competition.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Claressa Shields eyes Britain’s Price after stopping Kaye Scott to reclaim titles
