Claressa Shields wins WBA and WBC middleweight titles

Claressa Shields regained the WBA and WBC middleweight titles on Sunday at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The 31-year-old American, a five-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, defeated Australia’s Kaye Scott via a sixth-round stoppage. After dominating the bout, Shields’s corner threw in the towel due to Scott’s inability to defend herself against a sustained barrage.

To achieve the victory, Shields underwent a significant weight cut, dropping from 198 pounds to 160 pounds. This win improves her professional record to 19-0 with four knockouts. Shields has expressed her intention to fight 11 more times before retiring, aiming for a perfect 30-0 record.

Looking ahead, Shields has identified potential opponents to continue her legacy, specifically naming British Olympic champion Lauren Price as a preferred matchup. She also mentioned Mikaela Mayer as an alternative or the possibility of pursuing undisputed status against Canada’s Tammara Thibeault.