Claressa Shields Strikes Down in Weight, Names Two Targets

Claressa Shields has introduced a return to the middleweight division towards unified champion Kaye Scott, however the multi-weight champion has already made one factor clear — if she might select any two opponents over the following 12 months, Lauren Worth and Mikaela Mayer would high the checklist.

Shields will face Scott on August 15 in Atlanta after confirming a transfer again down from heavyweight, a transfer that would finally convey her nearer to the Lauren Worth and Mikaela Mayer fights she says she needs most. The announcement comes after Shields beforehand instructed World Boxing Information a shock was on the way in which.

“I’ll be asserting my combat quickly,” Shields solely instructed WBN yesterday forward of right now’s affirmation.

Requested which fights she needs most past her subsequent task, the Flint-born famous person didn’t hesitate.

Worth and Mayer Prime the Checklist

“If I might select any two fighters to combat within the subsequent twelve months… I’d select Lauren Worth and Mikaela Mayer.

“These two women are on the P4P high ten checklist, prepared to return above 154 for a combat. Very skillful.”

Shields pointed to Worth and Mayer’s willingness to maneuver above 154 kilos when discussing the matchups.

“Why not beat them and add them to my already in depth resume and undefeated report. I solely wish to combat one of the best.”

Earlier this 12 months, Shields instructed WBN she was prepared to compete at decrease weights for main alternatives and listed Worth and Mayer amongst a number of opponents she hoped to face sooner or later.

Lauren Worth Curiosity

Shields’ look in the UK when Lauren Worth defended her world titles in April supplied a powerful indication that her curiosity within the Welsh star was real.

On the time, hypothesis instantly adopted relating to a possible conflict between two of girls’s boxing’s most achieved champions.

Shields has now strengthened that curiosity by naming Worth as one of many fights she needs most.

Again to Middleweight

Shields will return to the division on August 15 when she faces unified WBC and WBA middleweight champion Kaye Scott in Atlanta.

The bout marks one other transfer throughout weight lessons for the self-proclaimed “GWOAT,” who turned the undisputed heavyweight champion earlier this 12 months.

The transfer additionally brings Shields nearer to the burden vary occupied by Worth and Mayer ought to both combat finally materialize.

Shields beforehand instructed WBN that exercise performed a significant position in her determination to maneuver divisions all through her profession.

“That is dependent upon the chance of opponents prepared to combat.

“I went as much as 175 as a result of all the ladies at 147, 154, 168 even 168 wouldn’t settle for the problem to combat me.

“I went the place the ladies have been saying sure to preventing me so I could be extra energetic.”

Mayer is already dedicated to a combat on August 29, whereas Worth continues to determine herself as one of many main names in girls’s boxing.

For now, Shields’ consideration turns to Scott. Past that, the 2 names she needs most have remained unchanged.

In regards to the Writer

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Learn full bio.