The short version
- Claressa Shields anticipates fighting Lauren Price in the first quarter of 2027 at middleweight.
- Shields will first challenge Kaye Scott for world titles in Atlanta on August 15.
- Price remains inactive since April, raising questions about her readiness for a weight jump.
Claressa Shields has signaled that a highly anticipated matchup against Lauren Price is likely to occur in early 2027. The American fighter, who holds undisputed titles across three weight classes, indicated that the bout would take place at middleweight. This development marks a significant shift in planning for both athletes, as it requires Price to move up two divisions from her current welterweight status. Shields expressed confidence that the fight will materialize, suggesting that Price may need a preparatory bout to adjust to the heavier weight class before facing her.
Before any potential encounter with Price, Shields is scheduled to face Kaye Scott on August 15 in Atlanta, Georgia. In this upcoming contest, Shields will challenge Scott for the WBA and WBC middleweight championships. Scott, a 41-year-old Australian boxer, has a professional record of five wins, one loss, and one draw. Despite her age and relatively modest professional experience compared to Shields, Scott possesses a strong amateur background that contributed to her rapid ascent to world title contention. Shields acknowledged Scott’s skills but emphasized her own dominance and power as key advantages.
Shields has maintained an undefeated record in her 18 professional fights, establishing herself as one of the most decorated figures in women’s boxing. Her only professional loss came against Savannah Marshall, a defeat she later avenged at London’s O2 Arena in 2022. However, Shields views Price as a more formidable opponent than Marshall. She highlighted Price’s Olympic gold medal performance and undefeated status as indicators of exceptional skill and power. Shields noted that Price’s ability to compete successfully at higher weights during her amateur career suggests she possesses the physical attributes necessary to challenge Shields effectively.
The path to this potential 2027 fight has been marked by uncertainty and shifting timelines. Earlier reports suggested a two-fight deal had been agreed upon between Shields and Price, with Price’s promoter Ben Shalom confirming the arrangement. However, Price has not competed since her points victory over Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff in April. This lack of recent activity has led to speculation about her readiness and motivation. Shields acknowledged this gap, stating that she does not know when Price will return to the ring but remains optimistic about a first-quarter 2027 date.
Shields’ strategy involves moving down to middleweight to consolidate her status across multiple divisions. She expressed interest in fighting again at 160 pounds later in the year, potentially setting the stage for a clash with Price. The American fighter believes that Price will need to gain experience at middleweight before facing her, implying that a warm-up bout might be necessary. This approach underscores Shields’ confidence in her own abilities and her assessment of Price’s current form and weight-class adaptation.
Despite her dominance, Shields has identified an area for improvement: her knockout ratio. With only three stoppages in 18 professional victories, she aims to increase her finishing rate. Shields asserted that her power is sufficient to hurt opponents, noting that she frequently drops fighters during bouts. Her goal is to refine her timing and precision to convert these advantages into knockouts more consistently. This focus on technical refinement adds another layer of complexity to her upcoming fights, as she seeks to enhance her already impressive resume.
The broader implications of this potential matchup extend beyond individual accolades. Both Shields and Price are Olympic gold medalists with distinct fighting styles and backgrounds. Shields’ experience across multiple weight classes contrasts with Price’s specialization at welterweight. The outcome of their eventual fight could influence perceptions of dominance in women’s boxing, particularly regarding the ability to compete successfully across different divisions. Additionally, the timing of the bout may affect promotional strategies and fan engagement, given the high profile of both athletes.
As Shields prepares for her August bout with Scott, all eyes will be on how she performs at middleweight. Her success or failure in this contest could impact negotiations and scheduling for a future fight with Price. Meanwhile, Price’s inactivity raises questions about her training regimen and competitive readiness. The boxing community awaits further developments, including any announcements regarding Price’s next fight and Shields’ performance against Scott. These factors will ultimately determine the feasibility and timing of their highly anticipated showdown.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Price fight now likely to be held in 2027 - Shields
