Claressa Shields is set to face rival Lauren Price in a highly anticipated boxing match later this year. The two Olympic champions are preparing to meet in the ring for the first time. Shields, unbeaten in her professional career, holds a remarkable record of 18-0.
Upcoming Fight: Shields vs. Price
Lauren Price currently holds the unified welterweight championship, having secured a victory over Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff. This match left Price bloodied, showcasing her resilience. After her win, Price and Shields engaged, suggesting a possible showdown at middleweight before the end of 2026.
Shields expressed her eagerness to fight Price, noting, “I look forward to fighting her and she doesn’t mind coming up to 160 lbs.” She hinted at the possibility of the bout taking place in both the United States and the UK.
Significance of the Fight
Shields believes that Price’s skills will make for an exceptional matchup. She stated that Price, with her Olympic pedigree, could provide a significant challenge. “I felt the confidence and energy when she spoke,” Shields remarked, emphasizing the mutual respect they share.
Promoter’s Insight
According to Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita, discussions about the fight have been positive. He mentioned, “It will likely take place in the US,” showcasing the anticipation surrounding the event. Salita also highlighted Shields’ appreciation for boxing fans in the UK, indicating that a fight there is a possibility.
Shields’ Confidence
Shields, an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012 and Rio 2016, believes that her experience gives her an edge over Price. She stated, “I would make easy work of Price and Mayer,” referring to a potential future fight against three-weight world champion Mikaela Mayer. Shields emphasized the significance of the Price match, declaring it more important than her bout with Mayer.
- Claressa Shields: Record 18-0, Olympic champion (2012, 2016).
- Lauren Price: Unified welterweight champion, Olympic champion (2020).
- Next Steps: Fight scheduled at 160 lbs, possible venues in the US and UK.
For Shields, a return to the UK would mark her first fight there since defeating Savannah Marshall in 2022. Highlighting her growth as a fighter, Shields reminisced about overcoming odds in that bout, reinforcing her belief in her capabilities.
As the boxing world watches closely, the clash between Shields and Price promises to be a thrilling event, spotlighting the evolving landscape of women’s boxing.
