Shields-Price fight talks resume, promising European boxing boost
Promoters have resumed negotiations for a cross-Atlantic super fight between American Claressa Shields and Welsh champion Lauren Price, a matchup that could significantly expand the commercial audience for women's boxing in Europe.
American boxer Claressa Shields is preparing to resume negotiations for a high-profile matchup against Welsh champion Lauren Price. Promoter Dmitriy Salita confirmed that talks remain active following a promotional face-off in Cardiff in April. Shields, a multi-weight world champion, is looking to face the unified welterweight title holder in what would be a defining cross-Atlantic contest.
Securing this bout would represent a major commercial milestone for the European boxing market. Pitting Price against an American star offers the kind of international draw needed to elevate women's boxing from niche programming to a mainstream broadcast product on the continent. "She wants to face the best fighters and continue helping women's boxing reach new audiences around the world," Salita said.
The logistical framework for the deal was largely established during Shields' previous visit to Wales. "When Claressa went to Wales, we believed we had the framework of a deal in place, and we're still operating in that spirit," Salita noted. "I believe we're close. Claressa is moving down to 160lbs because she wants to make this fight happen."
An official agreement remains pending while Shields prepares for a middleweight fight against Kaye Scott on August 15 for the WBC and WBA titles. Shields was watching from ringside when Price last fought, successfully retaining her WBA, WBC and IBF titles against Stephanie Pineiro Aquino. Price has welcomed a showdown at a higher weight class, though she has yet to announce her next opponent.
Before pursuing the European bout, the American fighter must first complete a rare athletic feat. "She has the opportunity to do something that's only been accomplished once in more than 100 years - move down from heavyweight and win the middleweight world title," Salita explained. He added that Shields' full attention is currently on the August date.
For promoters and broadcasters, matching top international talent is the proven method for growing the sport's economic base. "Throughout Claressa's career, we've worked with promoters from every major company because we believe the best fighters should face each other," Salita said. "That's how the sport grows, that's what the fans want, and that's the approach we've always taken."
