Claressa Shields is ready to restart talks of the biggest women’s fight against Lauren Price | Debate News
Claressa Shields is ready to resume talks for a women’s title fight against Lauren Price and promoter Dmitriy Salita is hopeful an agreement can be reached.
Shields appeared in Cardiff against Price in April, sparking speculation that a fight could be completed between the American multi-weight world champion and the Welsh welterweight joint title holder.
The fight has not been confirmed and Shields is currently preparing for a middleweight fight with Kaye Scott for the WBC and WBA titles, but his promoter Salita believes that a deal can be worked out.
“When Claressa went to Wales, we believed we had a draft agreement in place, and we are still working in that spirit,” said Salita. Sky Sports.
“I believe we are close. Claressa is down to 160lbs because she wants to make this fight happen. She has accomplished a lot but she is always looking for the biggest fights in the world.
“She wants to take on the best fights and continue to help women’s boxing reach new audiences around the world.
“Lauren is an outstanding athlete and Olympic gold medalist. This is one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing and we are confident it will happen.
“Claressa has always done her part to make the biggest fights and this is no different. We are ready to continue negotiations.”
Price is yet to announce her next fight as she retained her WBA, WBC and IBF titles with a majority decision win over Stephanie Pineiro Aquino, while Shields watched on from the ring.
The talented southpaw welcomed the clash with Shields at extra weight, but the Michigan boxer will first try to add another milestone to his long list of achievements.
“Right now, Claressa is very focused on August 15 [for her fight against Scott],” said Salita.
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Shields discussed a possible fight with Price and insisted that the pair could fight in America and return to the United Kingdom for a rematch.
“He has a chance to do something that he has done once in over 100 years – come down from heavyweight to win the middleweight world title.
“That’s where all his attention is. Once that challenge is behind him, he’ll continue to pursue the biggest fights out there, and Lauren Price is one of them.
“Absolutely, we would love to fight. Throughout Claressa’s career, we have worked with promoters from all major companies because we believe that the best fights should face each other.
“That’s how the game grows, that’s what the fans want, and that’s the way we’ve been taking it. We’re willing to work with everyone to make big fights happen in women’s boxing.”
