Claressa Shields has added another historic achievement to her extraordinary boxing career, defeating Australia’s Kaye Scott by sixth-round TKO at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The victory saw Shields reclaim the WBA and WBC middleweight titles, returning to the 160-pound division for the first time since 2023. The 31-year-old dominated the fight with her superior speed, accuracy and relentless pressure before Scott’s corner stopped the contest in the sixth round.
The win improves Shields’ undefeated professional record to 19-0 with four knockouts. It was also her first stoppage victory in two years, making the performance an especially significant return to the middleweight division.
Shields’ achievement is historic beyond simply reclaiming two world titles. She had previously become the first fighter in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three different weight classes, including her historic undisputed heavyweight reign. She has now successfully moved back down to 160 pounds and immediately returned to the top of the division.
The victory also came in front of more than 16,000 fans at State Farm Arena, where Shields headlined the venue’s first women’s boxing main event. The atmosphere reflected the growing commercial profile of women’s boxing and Shields’ status as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Getting back to middleweight was no easy task. Shields reportedly dropped around 38 pounds over a 14-week training camp after competing at heavyweight, making her successful return to 160 pounds an impressive physical accomplishment in itself.
After the victory, Shields immediately began looking toward her next challenge. One potential opponent is Lauren Price, the unbeaten Welsh champion, with Shields expressing interest in a major fight that could take place toward the end of the year.
For Shields, the Atlanta victory represents another defining chapter in a career that has repeatedly broken barriers in women’s boxing.
19-0. Two more world titles reclaimed. Another piece of boxing history made.
