ATLANTA — Claressa Shields wanted a knockout. She wanted to remind everyone why she considers herself the best pound-for-pound fighter in women’s boxing.
On Saturday night at State Farm Arena, she accomplished both. Shields overwhelmed Kaye Scott before stopping her at 1:38 of the sixth round, capturing the WBA and WBC middleweight championships and potentially clearing the way for a blockbuster showdown with fellow Olympic champion Lauren Price.
For Shields (19-0, 4 KOs), the stoppage was particularly satisfying. It marked just her second knockout victory in the past nine years and came after the 31-year-old made the difficult journey back down to 160 pounds for the first time in three years.
“I just came out to show why I’m No. 1 pound for pound,” Shields said afterward. She certainly made her argument.
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Shields Drops 38 Pounds for Middleweight Return
The biggest challenge for Shields may have occurred before she ever stepped through the ropes. After campaigning at heavyweight and becoming undisputed champion at 175 pounds, Shields returned to middleweight to reclaim championships she previously relinquished when moving up.
That required a dramatic physical transformation.
“This was a hard camp,” Shields said. “I always say to myself that everything is easy work, but this was a hard camp. I cut 38 pounds. I started 14 weeks ago at 198 and got down to 160.
“I think this is the most discipline I’ve been since the Olympics.” There were legitimate questions about how Shields would perform after such a significant weight cut. Once the bell rang, those concerns disappeared.
Scott Couldn’t Match Shields’ Speed
Scott (5-2-1) tried to make the fight physical and engage Shields at close range, but the Australian champion quickly discovered the difference between competing against a good fighter and sharing the ring with one of the greatest women’s boxers ever.
Shields was faster. She was sharper. Whether the fight took place at distance or inside, Shields consistently found ways to land. Scott deserves credit for attempting to fight back rather than simply surviving, but the 42-year-old couldn’t match Shields’ combination of speed, technique and experience.
Still, Shields couldn’t seriously hurt her through the opening five rounds. So she changed the approach. Rather than hunting recklessly for the knockout she desperately wanted, Shields began investing in Scott’s body. The strategy paid off.
“I started going to the body to break her down,” Shields said.
Those punches gradually took something out of Scott, and by the sixth round, the punishment had accumulated. Shields finally broke through with a devastating left hook followed by an overhand right that sent Scott stumbling backward into the ropes. Referee Joel Scobie ruled it a knockdown.
Lauren Price Could Be Next
The attention now shifts toward Lauren Price. Price (10-0, 2 KOs), The Ring’s unified welterweight champion, has agreed in principle to move up to 160 pounds for a potential fight with Shields, although contracts have not yet been signed. It would be one of the most significant fights available in women’s boxing.
Both women are undefeated. Both are Olympic gold medalists. Both are world champions. Both are ranked among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, with Shields currently No. 2 on The Ring’s list and Price No. 8.
Price would have to climb two weight divisions to make the fight, presenting an enormous challenge against a naturally bigger and vastly more experienced champion.
But the groundwork has already been laid. Shields climbed into the ring following Price’s victory over Stephanie Pineiro in April, and the two champions faced off in what effectively became the first promotional moment for a potential superfight. After Saturday night, there is one fewer obstacle standing in the way.
Atlanta Belonged to Claressa Shields
The entire weekend was built around Shields making history in Atlanta, and she delivered the type of performance worthy of the occasion. She didn’t simply win another decision. She broke Scott down. She reclaimed championship gold. Then she got the stoppage she had been craving.
At 31 years old, Shields continues adding chapters to a resume that already guarantees her place among boxing’s all-time greats. But she isn’t finished. Lauren Price could be waiting. After what Claressa Shields did in Atlanta, a battle between two undefeated Olympic champions might be exactly what women’s boxing needs next.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
