Claressa Shields eyes 2027 showdown with Lauren Price after upcoming middleweight bout
Champion Claressa Shields says a fight with fellow Olympic gold-medallist Lauren Price is now slated for early 2027, following her scheduled middleweight clash in August.
The 31-year-old Claressa Shields, a multi-weight undisputed champion, will move down to middleweight to challenge WBA and WBC title-holder Kaye Scott on 15 August in Atlanta, Georgia. After that fight, Shields expects to meet Wales' Lauren Price, the unified welterweight champion and Olympic gold medallist, in the first quarter of 2027. Price has not competed since a points victory over Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff, and her promoter Ben Shalom confirmed a two-fight agreement with Shields.
Shields anticipates Price will take a preparatory bout to adjust to the higher weight class. While dominant in her career, Shields aims to increase her knockout tally, having recorded only three stoppages in 18 professional wins. She also reflected on avenging a past amateur loss to Savannah Marshall, noting she expects Price to pose a tougher challenge.
Why it matters
The potential 2027 clash pits two of boxing's most decorated female athletes against each other, shaping the sport's future landscape.
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