Claressa Shields is ready to resume talks for a women’s super fight against Lauren Price with promoter Dmitriy Salita remaining hopeful that a deal can be agreed.
Shields appeared in Cardiff for a face-off with Price in April, stoking up expectation that a fight could be finalised between America’s multi-weight world champion and the unified welterweight title holder from Wales.
The fight is yet to be confirmed and Shields is currently preparing for a middleweight fight against Kaye Scott for the WBC and WBA titles, but her promoter Salita reckons a deal can be sorted.
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Lauren Price said she would ‘love to share the ring’ with Shields following her unanimous decision victory over Stephanie Pineiro Aquino
“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 told Sky Sports.
“I believe we’re close. Claressa is moving down to 160lbs because she wants to make this fight happen. She’s already accomplished so much but she’s always looking for the biggest global fights.
“She wants to face the best fighters and continue helping women’s boxing reach new audiences around the world.
“Lauren is an outstanding fighter and an Olympic gold medallist. This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in women’s boxing and we’re confident it will happen.
“Claressa has always done her part to make the biggest fights possible and this is no different. We’re ready to continue the discussions.”
Price is yet to announce her next fight since she retained her WBA, WBC and IBF titles with a wide decision win over Stephanie Pineiro Aquino, with Shields watching from ringside.
The skilful southpaw has welcomed a showdown with Shields at a higher weight, but the Michigan boxer will firstly attempt to add another historic feat to her lengthy list of achievements.
“Right now, Claressa’s full focus is on August 15 [for her fight against Scott],” said Salita.
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Shields discussed a potential fight with Price and insisted the pair could fight in both America and back in the United Kingdom for a rematch
“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.
“That’s where all of her attention is. Once that challenge is behind her, she’ll continue pursuing the biggest fights available, and Lauren Price is certainly one of them.
“Absolutely, we’d love to make the fight. Throughout Claressa’s career, we’ve worked with promoters from every major company because we believe the best fighters should face each other.
“That’s how the sport grows, that’s what the fans want, and that’s the approach we’ve always taken. We’re willing to work with everyone to make the biggest fights in women’s boxing happen.”