Claressa Shields, the five-division world champion, stopped Australia's Kaye Scott in the sixth round to reclaim the WBA and WBC middleweight titles. The victory improved Shields's professional record to 19-0 with four knockouts, while Scott fell to 5-2-1. Shields, who remains the undisputed heavyweight champion, had not fought at middleweight since defeating Maricela Cornejo in June 2023.
Shields Dominates from the Opening Bell
Fighting at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Shields controlled the bout from the start. Her hand speed and accuracy repeatedly allowed her to land first and escape Scott's counters. A sustained body attack drained the champion as the fight progressed, and by the fifth round Shields began sitting down on her punches.
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In the sixth, Shields blasted Scott backwards with a left hook and pinned her against the ropes. Unable to defend herself from another sustained barrage, Scott's corner threw in the towel, giving Shields a dramatic stoppage victory.
Weight Class Transition Proves Seamless
Shields, who had moved up through light-heavyweight and into the heavyweight ranks, made a remarkable return to 160lb. Her promoter billed her as only the second heavyweight champion in more than 120 years to win a world title in a lower division. The anticipated effects of that dramatic weight loss never materialized against Scott, who entered the paid ranks at 39 and was a significant underdog in only her eighth professional bout.
What's Next: A Potential Clash with Britain's Price
After the fight, Shields expressed interest in facing Britain's Savannah Price, a rising contender in the middleweight division. A matchup between the two would be a major event in women's boxing, pitting Shields's experience and power against Price's undefeated record and aggressive style.

Fight Statistics Comparison
| Statistic | Claressa Shields | Kaye Scott |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 19-0 (4 KOs) | 5-2-1 |
| Rounds Fought | 6 | 6 |
| Knockdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Result | Win (TKO) | Loss |
Key Takeaways from the Fight
- Claressa Shields reclaimed the WBA and WBC middleweight titles with a sixth-round stoppage.
- Shields remains the undisputed heavyweight champion, making her a two-division champion simultaneously.
- The victory sets up a potential mega-fight against Britain's Savannah Price.
- Shields's hand speed and body punching were decisive factors in the bout.
FAQ
FAQ
How did Claressa Shields win the fight?
Shields won by technical knockout in the sixth round after Scott's corner threw in the towel. Shields dominated from the opening bell, landing clean punches and a sustained body attack.
What titles did Shields reclaim?
Shields reclaimed the WBA and WBC middleweight titles. She had previously been undisputed champion at 160lb before moving up in weight.
Who is Britain's Price?
Britain's Price refers to Savannah Price, a British middleweight boxer who is a potential future opponent for Shields. Price is known for her aggressive style and undefeated record.