Claressa Shields, currently ruling the roost at heavyweight, will drop down to middleweight to fight WBC and WBA beltholder Kaye Scott August 15 at State Farm Arena, Atlanta.
The 31-year-old Shields, who last fought at 160lbs in June 2023 while defending her middleweight titles against Maricela Cornejo, will become the first female boxer to headline at the 16,888-capacity arena. The last fighter to top the bill there was Shakur Stevenson when he stopped Jamel Herring to win the WBO junior lightweight title in October 2021.
Though decorated in the amateur ranks, Sydney, Australia’s Scott, 5-1-1 and 42 years old, will be a hefty underdog even though she will bring the middleweight belts she claimed from Olivia Curry in December.
For the 18-0 (3) Shields, 31, this is about enhancing her already impressive legacy; more titles for the mantlepiece and more fans to witness her win them.
“At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy,” said Shields.
“Every fight now is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – for myself, for women’s boxing, and for the next generation coming behind me through Claressa Shields Promotions.
“Kaye Scott is a champion, and I respect what she’s accomplished. But becoming undisputed at 160 pounds again starts with beating the best. That’s always been my mindset. I don’t chase easy fights, I choose meaningful ones.”
Should Shields do what is widely expected and defeat Scott, a more formidable foe is likely to follow.
It was announced in April that a two-fight deal with welterweight champion Lauren Price was close to being signed. Price’s promoter, Ben Shalom, who has worked with Shields in the past, said he hoped that the first fight would take place in the US at the end of 2026, with a rematch to follow in Wales next year.
For now, though, Shields’ crusade to bring women’s boxing to the masses remains her priority.
“Atlanta represents a huge opportunity. We’ve shown what women’s boxing can do in Detroit,” she added.
“We’ve sold out arenas and created moments people remember. Now it’s time to bring that same energy to Atlanta.”