Undisputed women’s heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is set to drop back down to middleweight for her next fight.
The self-proclaimed ‘GWOAT’ will return to the ring on August 15 to challenge Aussie Kaye Scott for her WBA and WBC 160lbs titles at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, live on DAZN.
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Shields is either the No.1 or No. 2-ranked women’s boxer in the world, depending on which pound-for-pound ranking you look atCredit: Top Rank
Middleweight is one of the three weight classes in which Shields has achieved undisputed supremacy (alongside heavyweight and super welterweight).
Shields (18-0) last fought at the weight in 2023 when she retained her crown with a wide unanimous decision victory over Maricela Cornejo.
Since then, she has been operating in the heavyweight division, which for women is anything over 175lbs.
She picked up the WBA and WBO belts by stopping Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in her debut at the weight, and then added the IBF and WBA belts to her collection with a unanimous decision victory over Danielle Perkins.
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Shields, 31, has defended her undisputed crown twice against Lani Daniels and Franchon Crews Dezurn in a rematch, and is now dropping down three divisions (there is no female cruiserweight division) to chase the biggest fights in women’s boxing.
“At this point in my career, every fight is about legacy,” said former middleweight world champion 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.”
Who is Kaye Scott?
42-year-old Scott (5-1-1) enjoyed a fruitful amateur career, winning two silver medals at the World Championships, before turning over as a professional in 2023.
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Scott is a decorated amateur boxer who has medalled at the Commonwealth Games and World ChampionshipsCredit: Getty
After losing her fifth fight to IBF and WBO middleweight champion Desley Robinson, Scott was held to a draw by Olivia Curry before defeating the American in a rematch to claim the WBA and WBC belts.
She opens up as a sizeable underdog with the bookies, but is embracing the opportunity to upset the applecart across the pond.
“I believe the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity, and on August 15, I have the chance to show the world exactly what I’m capable of,” Scott said.
“I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to test myself against the very best. I’m excited, motivated and prepared to step into that ring and prove that I am the best middleweight in the world.”
Super fight looms
There is more than just the WBA and WBC belts on the line for Shields, as victory would also punch her ticket for a super fight with WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight champion Lauren Price.
In April, the pair signed a two-fight deal, with the inaugural encounter eyed for the end of the year.
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